"Artists' Caprice". In January 1863, Johann Strauss published an announcement in several Viennese newspapers to the effect that doctors had forbidden him to compose because of the risk of cerebral paralysis. His brother Josef promptly took over all the commission Johann had accepted to write new pieces for balls held during the carnival. For their ball on 28th January 1863, the Hesperus artists' society was not vouchsafed a full-scale waltz, but had to make do with a French Polka; albeit a witty and tuneful one. The work was given the unflattering title of artists' caprice, but society in general was quite prepared to grant the members of Hesperus; Viennese actors and singers, musicians and writers; the right to be whimsical. The "caprice" is expressed especially in the first theme and in the second section of the trio.
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Painting: Women in the Music Room
Artist: Johanne Mathilde Dietrichson
Date: 1885
The Hofgarten Ballroom Orchestra
Günther Ehring
