Thursday, January 1, 2015

New Year's Day - Vienna Concert and London Parade

New Year's Day Concert from Vienna
The New Year's Day Concert from the golden hall in Vienna featured music by the Strauss family (father Johann and three sons) and was conducted this year by jovial Indian Mehta, very dapper. It was broadcast on the BBC1 lunch time today, can be seen again on the iplayer and/or caught on BBC3 radio BBC4 tv. It features scenes of Vienna and Austria.



Here is Strauss senior, also known as Johann Strauss I. His three sons were Johann Strauss II, Josef and Eduard.

Matching the music, the dancing was mesmerising, modern, elegant, amusing, flowing. The girls tiptoe or are tossed in the air effortlessly by the boys.

Costumes, as usual are wonderful. Starting with the dramatic black and white 'students' ballet. Finishing some gorgeous flimsy, flowing red and white dresses with black ribbons, each dress subtly different.

The opening music was the best, and the finale of Johann Senior's stirring Radestsky March.

New Year's Day Parade
Next on TV was the New Year's Day Parade. In London, the frost has disappeared but although warmer, it is chillingly cold. According to news reports crowds were out, despite the weather, to see the parade. I'm happy not to be there, just watching on the internet. For a list of the parade participants, see the Daily Mirror site:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/london-new-years-day-parade-4902202

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