Kaiser-Jubiläum-Jubelwalzer

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Kaiser-Jubiläum Jubelwalzer is a waltz composed by Johann Strauss II in 1888 to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of the accession to throne of his monarch, Emperor Franz Josef who commissioned the waltz in order to celebrate the progress of Vienna and the prosperity of Austria and its colonies in the Balkan. Throughout the festivities on 2 December 1888, the Emperor also organised various humanitarian and charitable acts for the benefit of his people.

Unfortunately, the numerous celebrations planned were withheld out of respect of the death of the Emperor's father-in-law although Strauss was permitted to proceed with the dedication. He conducted the Strauss Orchestra in the first performance of the waltz at the Musikverein where brother Eduard Strauss was having his own benefit concert at the same day of the official royal celebrations.

The waltz was typical of Strauss' more mature works despite still in the conform of light music and would be a subtle hint of his talent when writing the highly-popular Kaiser-Walzer op. 437 later which also glorified the Habsburg dynasty.

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Based on original text by Peter Kemp, The Johann Strauss Society of Great Britain. Used with permission.