ROMANTIC MUSIC
Part 1 (c. 1800–1910)
2. Caprice No. 24 (N. Paganini)
Caprice No. 24 in A minor is the final piece in a set of 24 Caprices for solo violin by Niccolò Paganini (1782–1840). Composed between 1802 and 1817 during his service at the Baciocchi court, it features a theme followed by 11 variations and a dramatic finale. It is widely regarded as one of the most technically demanding works ever written for solo violin. The caprice requires advanced techniques, making it a showcase of virtuosity. Its enduring popularity has made it a landmark in the violin repertoire.
Oboe Concerto Es-Dur III
by Vincenzo Bellini (1801–1835)
The Oboe Concerto in E-flat major stands as the only surviving concerto by Vincenzo Bellini and offers a rare glimpse into his early instrumental writing. Composed around 1823, while he was still a student, the work already reveals the lyrical sensitivity that would later define his operatic masterpieces.
Although Bellini would become famous for his operas, his instrumental output remained relatively limited. The concerto typically lasts between seven and eight minutes, balancing elegance with clarity and allowing the oboe’s warm, almost vocal character to shine.
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Waltz of the Flowers
by P. I. Tchaikovsky (1840–1893)
The Waltz of the Flowers is one of the most cherished pieces from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker, appearing in the second act and serving as the grand finale of the Nutcracker Suite. Tchaikovsky described the ballet to his colleagues as “fantastic,” filled with playful scenes such as a march for tin soldiers and, of course, a waltz for the flowers.
Renowned for its sweeping melodies and graceful orchestration, the waltz has delighted audiences worldwide. Its versatility has inspired numerous arrangements for different instruments and ensembles. The piece has also made a mark in popular culture, most famously in Walt Disney’s 1940 film Fantasia, where it was brought to life with vivid, imaginative animation.
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The Blue Danube
by Johann Strauss II (1825–1899)
The Blue Danube (“By the Beautiful Blue Danube,” Op. 314) is a waltz by Johann Strauss II, composed in 1866. Its premiere took place on 15 February 1867 at a concert of the Wiener Männergesang-Verein (Vienna Men’s Choral Association).
Originally written with lyrics by the association’s poet Joseph Weyl, Strauss later arranged the piece as a purely orchestral waltz for the 1867 Paris World’s Fair. This instrumental version quickly became the most celebrated and widely performed form of the work.
Following its success in Paris, The Blue Danube spread rapidly across Europe and beyond, securing its place as one of the most iconic and enduring pieces in the classical repertoire.
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