Künstler Quadrille

Johann Strauss II

Künstler-Quadrille (Artists’ Quadrille), Op.201

The quadrille was a specifically French invention which Johann I introduced to Vienna in 1840 after studying the form – which is based on a strict alternation of 6/8 and 2/4 time - with the Quadrille King, Philippe Musard, on a visit to Paris in 1837. He wrote nearly forty quadrilles, his son Johann II at least as many again, most of them drawing on popular tunes of the time. This one, written in 1858, is subtitled “on themes of famous masters.” It would be spoiling the fun to give the game away and identify their sources here.