Strauss II - Morning Papers Waltz

Morgenblätter (Morning Journals) op. 279 is a Viennese Waltz composed by Johann Strauss II in 1863. The work’s genesis was attributed to the composition of another waltz by Jacques Offenbach later titled ’Abendblätter’ when the French opera composer dedicated his work to the influential Vienna Authors’ and Journalists’ Association (’Concordia’). The Association had earlier intended the ’Abendblätter’ waltz (untitled by Offenbach when first dedicated) to be played at their ’Concordia Ball’ on 12 January 1864. Strauss and his orchestra were engaged to provide music for the festivity and he was also obliged to dedicate a new composition of his own. Since he was clearly aware of Offenbach’s dedication, he similarly left it to the Association to decide the title of his own work. The committee, in a mood for a musical joust, titled Offenbach’s work as ’Abendblätter’ (Evening Papers) and Strauss’ work as ’Morgenblätte