Eminent Viennese composer (1825–1899), known as "The Waltz King,” best known for such all-time favorites as “The Beautiful Blue Danube” and the “Emperor Waltz,” and for the operetta staple, “Die Fledermaus.” Scarce AMQS in pencil on an off-white 7.75 x 5 album page; the first two measures of his classic and consistently popular "The Beautiful Blue Danube," signed above, in-full, "Johann Strauss." In very good condition, with light toning and rippling to edges, scattered light creases, and the writing and quotation just a shade light. Another signature above Strauss' has been erased, but its date of June 25, 1872, remains (just touching the "S" in his surname).
The page is still in its original autograph album (with bowed, worn, and partially separated leather covers), along with many lesser-known personalities. The signatures in the front of the book were all musical participants at the Boston Peace Jubilee in 1872. Strauss had been invited to conduct an orchestra at the event and had eagerly accepted, even braving his dislike of ocean travel. Upon his arrival in Boston he was treated like a rock star; crowds went wild and he was kissed by adoring women, cheered by admiring men. His orchestra, accompanied by a staggering 20,000 singers, performed before an audience of 100,000. After an introductory cannon shot started the evening, the dazed composer began his performance with the "Blue Danube"...fittingly offered here. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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