2025-26 Program Book - Other - Page 41
On the Beautiful Blue Danube, Op. 314 (1866)
JOHANN BAPTIST STRAUSS, JR.
(October 25, 1825 - June 3, 1899)
An der schönen blauen Donau [On the Beautiful
Blue Danube] was completed in 1866 and first
performed on February 15, 1867, at a concert of the
Vienna Men’s Choral Association. After the original
music was written, lyrics were added by the Choral
Association’s poet, Joseph Weyl. Finally, Strauss
adapted it into a purely orchestral version for the
World’s Fair in Paris (also in 1867), and this version
is by far the most commonly performed today.
Consisting of an introduction, five waltzes, and
a coda, it has been one of the most consistently
popular pieces of music in the classical repertoire.
The River (1970)
EDWARD KENNEDY “DUKE” ELLINGTON
(April 29, 1899 - May 24, 1974)
Edward “Duke” Ellington was born in Washington, DC. His parents were musicallyinclined and young Ellington was encouraged to play piano. By the mid-1920s,
he was a successful performer and businessman, and began composing in
various genres. His compositional style progressed from ragtime to big band to
larger-scale compositions of increasing complexity and symbolism. In addition
to popular songs, Ellington wrote successful operas, musical comedies, ballets,
soundtracks, sacred music, and tone poems. Scholars particularly recognize his
imaginative orchestration and ability to reach large audiences.
Lucia Chase, co-director of the American Ballet Theatre, commissioned Ellington’s
ballet The River to celebrate ABT’s 30th anniversary. Ellington composed the work
at the piano, originally conceiving a piece in twelve sections. The ballet’s premiere
was called a “work in progress,” and consisted of only seven movements. Alvin
Ailey of the American Dance Theater was hired to construct the choreography
and the orchestral parts were arranged by Ron Collier. The premiere took place
at Lincoln Center’s New York State Theater (now the David H. Koch Theater) on
June 25, 1970.
CLASSICAL SERIES BRAHMS & ELLINGTON
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