Vergnügungszug (Polka Schnell) - Johann Strauss Sohn, Op. 281 / Arr. Rob Baltus

Vergnügungszug (Pleasure Train) op. 281 is a polka composed by Johann Strauss II in 1864. It was written for the Association of Industrial Societies’ Ball held in the Redoutensaal on 19 January 1864 and was inspired by the opening of the Austrian Southern Railway – the Südbahn – which operated many ’pleasure trains’ offering trips from Vienna to the countryside. Johann Strauss II’s vividly descriptive polka, however, is remarkable for its use of horns to suggest the chuffing of the train. In the trio section the melody constantly hints of the train’s progression. The polka, like the train’s journey, has to end, however, and Strauss powers home the conclusion with high chords before a resounding flourish. Multitrack by: Jorijn van Hese - Besson Prestige Baritone, York Eminence 4052 Euphonium, recorded with a sE Electronics G3500 microphone Rob Baltus - Besson Prestige 2052 Euphonium, recorded with a Neumann TLM 193 microphone For sheet music, please visit: Find Jorijn also on Spotify: