Thursday 26 January 2012
Tune of the Day: Tritsch-Tratsch Polka
by Johann Strauss II, transcribed for solo flute
This high-spirited polka was written by Johann Strauss II in 1858. The title “Tritsch-Tratsch” may be interpreted as “Chit-chat”, and probably refers to the Viennese passion for gossip. Strauss may also have been referencing the single-act burlesque Der Tritsch-tratsch by Johann Nepomuk Nestroy, which premiered in 1833 and was still in the stage repertoire at the same time the polka was written. Many point out that the title may also have meant his first wife's poodle, also named Tritsch-tratsch, but this etymology remains unsubstantiated.