J. Strauss, jr: Perpetuum Mobile op.257 - A Musical Joke • Volker Hartung & Cologne New Philharmonic

Volker Hartung conducts his Cologne New Philharmonic Orchestra in Johann Strauss' witty "Perpetuum Mobile op.257 - A Musical Joke". Live recording from Kurhaus Bad Honnef at the River Rhine in Germany. Have much joy! The Perpetuum mobile from 1861 is a unique work in Johann Strauss' oeuvre, as it is neither a waltz nor a polka or any type of dance at all. Instead, it is an extremely witty jab at certain musicians of his time who indulged more in soulless showmanship than in offering musicality. Although Strauss himself was an excellent showman, the enduring popularity of his music shows that he successfully balanced both aspects. Strauss' intention is clear from the outset – the subtitle reads "A musical joke," in reference to Mozart's work of the same name from the previous century. It consists of variations on a very short, banal, and repeatedly recurring theme, assigned as solo parts to individual instruments such as piccolo, bassoon, timpani, violins, and double basses. The melody emphasises speed and dexterity, and there is a huge, surprising crescendo in the middle that seems to recall Haydn's Surprise Symphony. Then there is no end, the melody spins in circles, and – it just goes on and on, a true perpetuum mobile…