Johann Straus II - Vergnügungszug (Pleasure Train), op. 281

Johann Strauss II , known for his waltzes and lively compositions, had a unique approach to his creative process. He consistently sought contemporary and relevant themes to serve as the driving force behind his new musical compositions. This approach ensured that his work remained fresh and connected with the audiences of his time.  One notable instance of this creative approach was the composition of this polka, composed in 1864. This piece of music was specifically crafted for a summer concert held in the picturesque Russian town of Pavlovsk. It's fascinating to note that Strauss drew inspiration for this composition from the world around him. In this case, he found it in the emerging technology of the time, namely, the steam locomotive. The composition itself is a testament to Strauss's ability to capture the essence and energy of the subject matter. The rhythm of this dance piece mirrors the rhythmic chugging and movements of the old-fashioned steam trains that were prevale...
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Felix Mendelssohn - Famous works

A painting of Oberon and Titania, characters from William Shakespeare's "Α Midsummer Night's Dream", from which Mendelssohn inspired the famous "Wedding March".


Symphonies:

  • No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11
  • No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 52, "Lobgesang"
  • No. 3 in A minor, Op. 56, "The Scottish"
  • No. 4 in A major, Op. 90 "Italian" 
  • No. 5 in D major/minor, Op. 107 "Reformation"

Overtures:

  • A Midsummer Night's Dream, in E major for orchestra, Op. 21
  • The Hebrides or Fingal's Cave, in B minor for orchestra, Op. 26
  • The Beautiful Melusine), in F major for orchestra, Op. 32

Concertos:

  • Violin Concerto No. 1 in D minor, for violin and strings
  • Violin Concerto No. 2 in E minor, Op. 64 
  • Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25
  • Piano Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 40 

Chamber music:

  • String Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20 
  • Cello Sonata No. 1 in B flat major, Op. 45
  • Cello Sonata No. 2 in D major, Op. 58
  • String Quartet No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 12
  • String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Op. 13
  • String Quintet No. 1 in A major, Op. 18
  • String Quintet No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 87

Piano compositions:

  • Lieder ohne Worte (Songs Without Words), Books 1-8
  • Capriccio in F sharp minor, Op. 5
  • Fantasia in F-sharp minor for piano, Op. 28 ("Sonate écossaise")
  • Pièces caractéristiques for piano, Op. 7 
  • Six Preludes and Fugues, Op. 35
  • Album-leaf (Albumblatt) in E minor for piano, Op. 117

Voice and Piano:

  • 69 songs
  • 2 Sacred songs, Op. 112

Oratorios:

  • St. Paul (Paulus), Op. 36
  • Elijah (Elias), Op. 70

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