Demolirer-Polka

Demolierer-Polka (Demolition Men's Polka) op. 269 is a polka written by Johann Strauss II in 1862. The title chronicled a significant milestone in the history of Vienna, where earlier on 20 December 1857, Austrian emperor Franz Josef decreed that the city limits of the capital be expanded to cater to the further needs of a blooming and prosperous city. This would include the demolition of the ancient bastions surrounding the old inner city by scores of demolition men recruited from the Habsburg crownlands of Bohemia, Moravia and Croatia. This project would incorporate many of Vienna's suburbs and the removal of the medieval fortifications were replaced by the magnificent Vienna Ring Road with parks, gardens and many other structures of architectural grandeur.

Strauss' famous polka was first performed at a soirée in the 'Sperl' ballroom alongside his waltz Karnevalsbotschafter op. 270 on 22 November 1862. The polka does not, however, suggest anything from its unconventional title although it never runs out of typical Strauss good-humor and gaiety.

Based on original text by Peter Kemp, The Johann Strauss Society of Great Britain. Used with permission.