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Leichtes Blut polka op319
by Johann Strauss II (1825–1899)
Johann Strauss II
Leichtes Blut (Light of Heart) Polka-schnell Op.319
Johann II’s Leichtes Blut (Light of Heart) polka was written in 1867 in the same fruitful season as the Blue Danube waltz. If it is not as familiar an example of its kind as its waltz-time companion, Leichtes Blut is certainly one of the best of all polkas. In fact, it is a perfect little inspiration, irresistibly propelled through the outer sections by a spring-heeled skipping rhythm, lifted by an exuberant new melody in the middle, and finished off by an ingenious little coda.
From Gerald Larner’s files: “Leichtes Blut polka op319”