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From all the compositions made the famous Strauss family few remained as popular in Central Europe as the venerable Radetzky March.
The period of 1848 – 1849 was a very turbulent one in European history as the number of revolutions shook the Old World. The multi - ethnical Habsburg Empire, sometimes called Austrian Empire and later Austro – Hungary, was no exception. Without going into detail about those troubled times in history it is sufficient to say that when the unrest broke out in Habsburg Empire the Kingdom of Sardinia – Piedmont (located in northern Italy and later the core of unified Italian state) saw an opportunity to enlarge its possessions at the expense of Austrian possessions in Italy. Sardinia – Piedmont declared war but the conflict did not develop as expected. Instead of scoring decisive victory against much smaller imperial army the Italians were repeatedly defeated. The architect of Austrian/Habsburg/Imperial victories was aging count Josef Radetzky, field marshal and the veteran of Napoleonic wars.
Radetzky’s victories in the period of 1848 – 49 caused elation in most of the empire. The already famous Johann Strauss Senior composed a tune in the field marshal’s honour. This was done with the blessings and support of the Emperor Francis Joseph I, who in 1848 succeeded his uncle emperor Ferdinand to the throne and was to become one of the longest ruling monarchs in European history, The Radetzky march was an instant success with general public and the military itself, which used the tune as the marching music.
Today the Radetzky March is something of the unofficial Austrian anthem and is easily recognized and cheered by people in all the countries that developed from Austro-Hungary. When performed Radetzky March gets ovations and request for encore on regular basis. This is especially evident during the famous Christmas and New Year’s Concert performed in the Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna adding to the city’s reputation as the musical capital of the world.
Click below to hear Radetzky March (midi format)
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