Despite a contemporary critic’s declaration that ‘the waltz is the dance of love and it contains within it more poetry than all the other national dances of the world!’, Johann Strauss I happily penned other dances such as the quadrilles and polka heard here.

Nonetheless, captivating waltzes composed for Viennese open-air galas, fairs, festive balls, carnivals and other celebrations comprise the bulk of music on Volume 18 of Marco Polo’s popular edition of the elder Strauss’s evergreen music.

‘Visions of the great dance halls of old Vienna filled with happy dancers hearing these pieces for the first time will dominate your thoughts’ American Record Guide.