Wiener Männergesang-Verein
The Wiener Männergesang-Verein is a men's choir in Vienna, Austria, founded in 1843. The choir has regularly appeared with the Vienna Philharmonic, and has performed worldwide. Notable composers, particularly Johann Strauss II, have composed music for the choir.
Anton M. Storch, musical director of the choir 1843–1851
Schubertiade, by Julius Schmid, in the museum's collection
"The Blue Danube" is the common English title of "An der schönen blauen Donau", Op. 314, a waltz by the Austrian composer Johann Strauss II, composed in 1866. Originally performed on 15 February 1867 at a concert of the Wiener Männergesang-Verein, it has been one of the most consistently popular pieces of music in the classical repertoire. Its initial performance was considered only a mild success, however, and Strauss is reputed to have said, "The devil take the waltz, my only regret is for the coda—I wish that had been a success!"
"The Blue Danube" (1867)
First few bars of The Blue Danube waltz, signed by the composer