Explosions-Polka

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'.

The polka is one of Strauss's novelty pieces, capturing a vogue. The Explosions-Polka was written for a 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 the most popular early pieces of the composer.

References

Based on original text by Peter Kemp, The Johann Strauss Society of Great Britain. Used with permission.


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