Vergnügungszug (Excursion Train): Polka, Op.281

Johann Strauss II (1825-1899)

Vergnügungszug (Excursion Train): Polka, Op.281

Although the polka was almost as popular as the waltz in the 1850s and 1860s, it didn’t stay in fashion for anything like as long. It was an exhilarating ballroom exercise but neither as sexy for the dancer nor as interesting for the composer. Its high-energy requirement meant that it rarely lasted longer than two or three minutes while its high-speed rhythmic activity gave the composer little opportunity to do more than put a cheerful tune to it and dress it up in colourful orchestration. Written at the height of the polka craze in 1864, Vergnügungszug - featuring a train that seems to be equipped with a klaxon rather than a steam whistle - is one of Johann II’s most extended examples. Even so, it’s amazing how quickly time passes when you are enjoying yourself.