Explosions-Polka
Encyclopedia
Explosions-Polka, op.
43, is a polka
written by Johann Strauss II
in 1847. The title was inspired by a discovery of guncotton or nitrocellulose
by German
scientist Christian Friedrich Schönbein
in 1840. The Viennese press eagerly reported this discovery many years later in 1846, describing many products that can then be made 'explosive'.
True to Strauss' pedigree for writing novelty pieces, he captured on the vogue for the word 'explosions', of which the Viennese press frequently pressed for a waltz with such a title and nature. The result was the disarmingly charming polka Explosions-Polka, which he wrote for the benefit concert
entitled 'Lust-Explosionsfest' (Joyful Explosions Festival) held in the Sträussl-Säle of the Josefstädter Theater on 8 February 1847.
The polka incorporates many explosion effects throughout the piece, and is one of Strauss' most popular pieces as a young composer. It has ever since retained its popularity up to today.
Opus number
An Opus number , pl. opera and opuses, abbreviated, sing. Op. and pl. Opp. refers to a number generally assigned by composers to an individual composition or set of compositions on publication, to help identify their works...
43, is a polka
Polka
The polka is a Central European dance and also a genre of dance music familiar throughout Europe and the Americas. It originated in the middle of the 19th century in Bohemia...
written by Johann Strauss II
Johann Strauss II
Johann Strauss II , also known as Johann Baptist Strauss or Johann Strauss, Jr., the Younger, or the Son , was an Austrian composer of light music, particularly dance music and operettas. He composed over 500 waltzes, polkas, quadrilles, and other types of dance music, as well as several operettas...
in 1847. The title was inspired by a discovery of guncotton or nitrocellulose
Nitrocellulose
Nitrocellulose is a highly flammable compound formed by nitrating cellulose through exposure to nitric acid or another powerful nitrating agent. When used as a propellant or low-order explosive, it is also known as guncotton...
by German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
scientist Christian Friedrich Schönbein
Christian Friedrich Schönbein
Christian Friedrich Schönbein was a German-Swiss chemist who is best known for inventing the fuel cell and his discoveries of guncotton and ozone.- Life :...
in 1840. The Viennese press eagerly reported this discovery many years later in 1846, describing many products that can then be made 'explosive'.
True to Strauss' pedigree for writing novelty pieces, he captured on the vogue for the word 'explosions', of which the Viennese press frequently pressed for a waltz with such a title and nature. The result was the disarmingly charming polka Explosions-Polka, which he wrote for the benefit concert
Benefit concert
A benefit concert or charity concert is a concert, show or gala featuring musicians, comedians, or other performers that is held for a charitable purpose, often directed at a specific and immediate humanitarian crisis. Such events raise both funds and public awareness to address the cause at...
entitled 'Lust-Explosionsfest' (Joyful Explosions Festival) held in the Sträussl-Säle of the Josefstädter Theater on 8 February 1847.
The polka incorporates many explosion effects throughout the piece, and is one of Strauss' most popular pieces as a young composer. It has ever since retained its popularity up to today.