Gross-Wien Op. 440 is awaltz byJohann Strauss II written in 1891 and was achoral waltz for theWiener Männergesang-Verein (Vienna Men's Choral Association) during the ViennaFasching (Carnival) of the same year. The text for the choral version of the waltz was byFranz von Gernerth.
The waltz's title was a chronicle of events in and aroundVienna as the Imperial City underwent vast development through the years. Although the waltz was intended as a choral work for the association, its first performance was actually at the Vienna Prater, on 10 May 1891 for a 'Monster Concert' of over 500 musicians from the combined military orchestras ofVienna under Strauss' baton. The premiere of the waltz in its orchestral version was also without chorus, as the planned performance with chorus had been delayed until 4 October of the same year, taking place at theSängerhalle under the direction of chorus-masterEduard Kremser.
The first performance at the Prater was also attended by theAustrian ruling family, as well as the King and Queen ofDenmark and theDuke and Duchess ofCumberland. Strauss' waltz brims with a confidence typical of his maturity, containing musical ideas that are never trite, although he wrote waltzes at a prodigious rate.
Based on original text by Peter Kemp, The Johann Strauss Society of Great Britain. Used with permission.
