Zigeunerbaron

The Overture to Der Zigeunerbaron is constructed, appropriately enough, like a Hungarian rhapsody. It begins with a slow section, anticipating the gruff rhythms associated with the gypsies on their entry in the first act, presenting expressive melodic improvisations on woodwind and dwelling lovingly on a pretty oboe tune that is to be taken up later by the (to all appearances) gypsy heroine Saffi. Although the quick section begins with a polka, most of it is based on Hungarian material. After the necessary waltz-time intervention, based on “So voll Fröhlichkeit” from the second act, Strauss is quick to restore his gypsy disguise, flaunting it most effectively of all in a brilliant coda with characteristically spirited rhythmic syncopations.