Gedenke mein! Polka schnell, Op. 38 - Josef Strauss

"Think of Me". Along with the waltz Perlen der Liebe (Pearls of Love), Op. 39, the little polka Gedenke meinl prepared the way for the most important day in the life of composer Josef Strauss, the day of his marriage to Caroline Josefa Pruckmayer. On 6th June 1857, he gave his bride the concert waltz Perlen der Liebe, which also became his musical wedding gift; on 7th June 1857, at Unger’s Casino in Hernals, he played the quick polka Gedenke meinl for the first time—in the presence of his bride. It was on the eve of his wedding, which took place the next day, on 8th June 1857, at the Parish Church of St John in Leopoldstadt. The title Gedenke meinl conjures up different sentiments. In this work by Josef, joy and love are represented in a manner devoid of pathos. For a long time the work was considered a rarity, for only the piano score was known. The orchestra parts of the polka were discovered subsequently.

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Painting: The Lovers
Artist: Pal Szinyei Merse
Date: 1870

Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Kosice
Arthur Kulling