Johann Strauss II An der schönen, blauen Donau Walzer, Op. 314

It is interesting to reflect that Johann Strauss II s An der schönen blauen Donau (By the beautiful blue Danube), the most famous of all orchestral waltzes, was conceived and first performed as a showpiece for male voice choir. The work was Johann s first choral waltz, written as a commission for the Wiener MannergesangVerein (Vienna Men s Choral Association) with whom he was to enjoy a close association over the years, creating for the choir a total of six choral master waltzes, two polkas and a march.