Strauss: A Musical Dynasty

Music aficionados amongst us readily recognise the Sinatras, Gibbs, Osmonds and Jacksons as some of the popular families in the world of music but of all, no family comes close to the Strauss dynasty which illuminated the scene centuries ago and continues to astound us long after their demise.

The imprint they left us with their beautifully composed scores cannot be emphasized enough, starting with patriarch, Johan Strauss I (1804-49), a self taught musician who will always be associated with the hugely acclaimed Radestky March (1848). This piece is certainly a crowd favourite during every New Year’s concert where the otherwise reticent audience will gamely clap to the beautiful tune.

A known womanizer, he fathered several illegitimate children but it was with his legal wife that 3 of their 6 children went on to carve their names in the same profession. Johann II (1825-99), dubbed “The Waltz King”, Josef (1827-70) and Eduard (1835-1916)

What the father achieved was well known but it was his eldest son Johann II who would go on to eclipse the former’s achievements. For reasons best known to the elder Strauss, Johann II was initially not encouraged to follow in his musical footsteps but thankfully he went against the wishes and some of his works as heard in Annen (1852), Tritsch-Tratsch (1858), Blue Danube (1867), Tales from the Vienna Woods (1868), Roses from the South (1880), Voices of Spring (1883) and the Emperor (1889) speak volume of his genius. These are very impressive credentials indeed for one who started out as bank clerk.
Wagner & Brahms are known admirers of his works. There is no better testimonial than be lauded by distinguished musicians!

As for Josef, he was a reluctant musician who was thrust into the limelight when a serious illness befell his elder brother, Johann II. Though the latter composed many memorable hits, Josef is regarded as the greatest genius of the Strauss family. Apart from being a musician, he was also a painter, dramatist, inventor, mathematician and poet.

Little wonder then that Johann II once famously remarked of his brother “Josef is the more gifted of us two; I am merely the more popular…”

Eduard, on the other hand, took over the baton from Josef in managing the Strauss family orchestra and like his more illustrious brothers; he was well-received, writing over 300 orchestral pieces. However, his output was not as critically praised as those of his brothers’.

All in all, the splendour of Vienna music is made possible, thanks partly to the Strauss dynasty.

Welcome onboard, the 4th Prime Minister of Malaysia

Like most Malaysians, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that you have jumped into the blogging bandwagon. This goes to show that even a learned luminary recognises the importance of blogging.

This development should be welcomed by all discerning Malaysians who are concerned with the current state of affairs in our country.

Nevertheless, I exhort you not to disregard comments which you see as unflattering to your reputation and to freely publish conflicting views presented to you. On this, you need to take a leaf out of your daughter's book

Having said that, I look forward to reading your narration.

Wither UMNO?

The latest sign of double standards applying in Malaysian politics can be seen from the 1000+ strong demonstration led by UMNO, which took place in Penang on 14th March 2008 outside Komtar.

As what the former Penang Chief Minister, Dr. Koh Tsu Koon rightly pointed out, "Street demos not proper way to convey views" - Sunday Star (16th Mar 08). It is indeed baffling that Bersih & Hindraf demonstrators were dealt with, severely; while these latest demonstrators were allowed to show their displeasure unhindered. Why didn't the police use water cannons on these demonstrators, just like what they are wont to do whenever there is any street demos that are deemed to be detrimental to the powers-that-be?

Lest we forget, the police force must be seen to be impartial in their execution of duties and must be perceived to be so. Had this demonstration been organised by any of the opposition parties, we are sure to see ubiquitous condemnation in the mass media for consecutive days.

Not too long ago, KJ (the infamous son-in-law) led a mass demonstration against Condoleeza Rice's visit but was there any action taken against him? Not surprisingly, the mass media were deafeningly silent on this unsophisticated conduct.

And of course, who can forget about the inflammatory threat carried out by some 300 UMNO Youth members to burn down the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall on 18th August 2000?

These are but some of the demonstrations initiated by UMNO whereby the perpetrators got away scot-free without even a slap on the wrist. Laws do not discriminate but why on certain occasions, some people are not brought to face the full wrath of law? This is something beyond even the most basic comprehension.

When it comes to accepting losses graciously, UMNO ought to take cue from Dr. Koh Tsu Koon who showed his gentlemanly and worldy sides when conceding defeat of his Gerakan party stranglehold on Penang.

But by organising a mass protest as what took place on 14th Mar 2008, this shows that certain parties refuse to accept reality good naturedly and will only alienate the electorate further who by now are already tired of boorish behaviour.