Originally this work was written for string players, and the title says it all: the strings were played pizzicato, i.e. plucked with the fingers. You can imitate the effect of the ‘short notes’ on the recorder perfectly well.This airy and humorous polka requires a playful performance: experimenting with the tempo is the motto. When it comes to playing together, Pizzicato Polka is not always easy: additional evidence of the quality of the Viennese orchestras of the day. For ensembles that do not have a bass recorder at their disposal, an alternative part for tenor recorder has also been provided. A performance with five recorders is possible as well, using this extra partto reinforce the bass melody. Johann Strauss II wrote the famous Pizzicato Polka together with his brother Josef.