“The Blue Danube” is the Austrian waltz traditionally performed at New Year concerts and celebrations around the world.
The work’s full German title is “An der schönen blauen Donau,” meaning “By the Beautiful Blue Danube.” Johann Strauss II composed it in 1866, and it was first performed in Vienna in 1867. The piece became one of the best-known examples of the Viennese waltz tradition.
The waltz is closely connected with the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert, which is broadcast internationally. The concert is held in the Musikverein’s Golden Hall and focuses largely on music by the Strauss family and related composers. “The Blue Danube” is usually performed as an encore rather than as the opening number.
The title does not mean that the Danube is literally blue at all times; it is a poetic musical image. “The Blue Danube” is also distinct from “Tales from the Vienna Woods,” another famous Strauss waltz. Its association with New Year’s Day grew through concert tradition and international broadcasting.