A historic hotel in Vienna was re-designed and re-opened some time back as the Hotel Motto. What’s the connection with Strauss? The luxury hotel is known as the birthplace of Josef Strauss, son of the famous composer Johann Strauss Senior (and therefore brother of Johann Junior). He called the hotel home in 1827. Josef was…
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Harry Coseman releases “Emilie, Emilie”, announces first show
Singer Harry Coseman has just released a new version of Johann Strauss’ “Wine, Women and Song”. The track is part of an upcoming album, “The Voice of Strauss”, that will feature some of the Strauss family’s best-loved melodies reworked into modern versions. This is the fourth track from the album to be released. Like the…
A webinar to discover the musical history of the waltz
Although the waltz can feel almost natural in its rhythm, in reality there is far more to it than the simple 1-2-3 rhythm. A special webinar by violinist Giacomo Mura, to be held in November 2020, will reveal the history and an appreciation of the waltz as a genre. What started as a folk dance…
Johann Strauss Ensemble release “Waltzing Matilda” and announce New Year’s Shows
The Johann Strauss Ensemble, led by the Australian violinist Russel McGregor, is obviously best-known for their renditions of the classics from the Johann Strauss repertoire. Yet on an Australian tour, they unveiled a version of the Australian standard, “Waltzing Matilda”, that caught the listeners’ attention. They have been playing it in concert for a few…
Austria’s Musikverein announces concerts in June and September
Vienna’s prestigious Musikverein venue – home to the celebrated Great Hall (Goldene Saal – the location of the annual Vienna New Years’ Concert) – has announced that it plans a number of shows in June, with a full programme from September onwards. This is good news for music fans that might be considering travel to…
Harry Coseman: Blue Danube of Mine
Belgium’s Harry Coseman – known as the Voice of Strauss – has released the second release from his upcoming album: “Blue Danube of Mine”. The track is obviously a reworking of the Strauss waltz done with a light modern feel. For the video, the singer travelled to Los Angeles, singing the Viennese masterpiece from the…
André Rieu US shows caught in coronavirus debate
André Rieu’s March 2020 dates in the US have been caught in the coronavirus/covid19 debate. Even though the US president announced flight bans from 26 European countries, major concerts are being allowed to go ahead in the US. These include a number of major shows by André Rieu in Florida, Nevada and elsewhere. This has…
Harry Coseman brings Wiener Blut to life
For the debut single from the album “The Voice of Strauss”, Harry Coseman has taken the tune from Wiener Blut, added lyrics and shot the video on Santa Monica beach (anyone remember the TV series Baywatch?).
Big changes at the Strauss Ensemble
After more than 33 successful years, the Johann Strauss Ensemble is announcing a major change in its operation. The original founder, Erich Buchmann, is placing the internationally celebrated Johann Strauss Ensemble, which was founded by him, in the hands of a younger team of two aspiring musicians. Bernadette Bartos (Mag.art) and Josef Herzer will now…
The Blue Danube waltzes for 150 years
Rudy Giovannini & Strato Vani “Blaue Donau” par dm_50c4f8fca4a08 Johann Strauss classic Blue Danube celebrates anniversary in Vienna It’s a little anniversary that went by practically unnoticed. Johann Strauss Junior’s “Blue Danube” is 150 years old since February 15, 2017, as it had its first performance in 1867. The melody is perhaps the best-known waltz…
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