Entweder Oder, Polka Schnell, Op. 403 (based on Der Lustige Krieg): Full Orchestra, CS

ENTWEDER ODER, POLKA SCHNELL, Op. 403 is a polka by Johann Strauss II (1825-1899), using themes from his 1881 operetta DER LUSTIGE KRIEG (THE FUNNY WAR). One of several short pieces based on this work, it includes music from Act 2, including the introduction, Violetta's marching song, and the final chorus. It has been suggested that the title, translated "Either...Or," refers to an implied ultimatum made by the composer to his wife Angelika, who was then involved in an affair with the theater director Franz Steiner. His brother Eduard conducted the premiere at the Sofienbad Hall in Vienna on February 14, 1882. Instrumentation: 1+Picc.2.2.2: 4.2.3.0: Timp.Perc(1): Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set): Pno Cond Sc in set.