Johann Strauss the Son’s An der schönen blauen Donau was performed for the first time in Vienna

15 February 1867

The Blue Danube is the common English title of An der schönen blauen Donau, Op. 314 (By the Beautiful Blue Danube), a waltz by the Austrian composer Johann Strauss II, composed in 1866. Originally performed on 15 February 1867, at a concert of the Wiener Männergesangsverein (Vienna Men’s Choral Association), it has been one of the most consistently popular pieces of music in the classical repertoire. Its initial performance was considered only a mild success, however, and Strauss is reputed to have said, „The devil take the waltz, my only regret is for the coda – I wish that had been a success!”

Johann Strauss II – The Blue Danube

Vienna Philharmonic, Counductor Daniel Baremboin

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