Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka

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File:Tritsch tratsch polka 214.jpg
Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka by Johann Strauss II

Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka, Op. 214, is a polka written by Johann Strauss II in 1858 after a successful tour of Russia where he performed in the summer concert season at Pavlovsk, Saint Petersburg.

The title may be interpreted as "Chit-chat" and may refer to the Viennese passion for gossip. Strauss may also have been referencing the single act burlesque "Der Tritsch-tratsch" (with music by Adolf Müller, Sr.) by the famous Austrian dramatist and actor Johann Nestroy, which premiered in 1833 and was still in the stage repertoire when the polka was written. Many point out that the title may also have meant his first wife's (Henrietta Treffz) poodle, also named Tritsch-tratsch, but this etymology remains unsubstantiated as well.

The mood of the piece is jaunty and high-spirited, as were many of Strauss' polkas.

References

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