Pesther Czardas

Pesther Csárdás, Op.23

The one purely orchestral example of the Hungarian csárdás in the Strauss catalogue dates from a comparatively early stage in Johann II’s career, before the twin cities on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest, were united as Budapest. Written in 1846 for a tour of Hungary, it complies with what was then thought to be the authentic csárdás form of a slow section followed by a quick one. Any feeling of disappoint-ment that, after the heavy rhythmic accents of the first part, the polka-like beginning of the second is too tamely Viennese is quickly dispelled by the increasingly fiery rhythms and energetic dance steps which follow.