O schöner Mai!
Encyclopedia
O schöner Mai! Op.
375, is a waltz
composed by Johann Strauss II
. It features melodies from Strauss's fifth operetta
, Prinz Methusalem
. The waltz was first performed in January 1877, with Eduard Strauss
conducting. The principal waltz theme of this work is a quote from the Act 3 duet for Pulcinella and Methusalem ("O du, O du, me in Feldmarschall"), while the remaining melodies are taken from Acts 1 and 2, including the Act 1 Chorus and Ensemble, "O schöner Mai!".
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...
375, is a waltz
Waltz
The waltz is a ballroom and folk dance in time, performed primarily in closed position.- History :There are several references to a sliding or gliding dance,- a waltz, from the 16th century including the representations of the printer H.S. Beheim...
composed 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...
. It features melodies from Strauss's fifth operetta
Operetta
Operetta is a genre of light opera, light in terms both of music and subject matter. It is also closely related, in English-language works, to forms of musical theatre.-Origins:...
, Prinz Methusalem
Prinz Methusalem
Prinz Methusalem is an operetta written by Johann Strauss II to a libretto by Karl Treumann, after Victor Wilder and Alfred Delacourt. It was first performed on January 3, 1877 in Vienna at the Carltheater. It achieved a run of eighty performances...
. The waltz was first performed in January 1877, with Eduard Strauss
Eduard Strauss
Eduard Strauss was an Austrian composer who, together with brothers Johann Strauss II and Josef Strauss made up the Strauss musical dynasty. The family dominated the Viennese light music world for decades, creating many waltzes and polkas for many Austrian nobility as well as dance-music...
conducting. The principal waltz theme of this work is a quote from the Act 3 duet for Pulcinella and Methusalem ("O du, O du, me in Feldmarschall"), while the remaining melodies are taken from Acts 1 and 2, including the Act 1 Chorus and Ensemble, "O schöner Mai!".