Annen Polka

Infos :

Composed relatively early in Strauss' career, the Annen-Polka embraces none of the innovations prevalent in Strauss' later polkas such as Vergnügungszug, Op. 281, or Leichtes Blut, Op. 319. Also unlike these two particular works, Annen-Polka is in a moderate polka tempo, not that much faster than the Schnell-Polka. All four melodies of Annen-Polka have distinct eight-measure halves and are repeated in their entirety. Additionally, section A is rounded out by the return of its first half. Whereas the strings dominate section A, the woodwinds are prominent in B, which closes with a trill and a slow, rising figure in the brass that introduces the return of section A. Strauss does have one surprise in store: only the first melody of A returns, and this stops abruptly two measures short of completion before the flute takes over with a new tune to close the piece.

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