Radetzky March

The Anacrouse collection offers pianists, beginners and advanced alike, a wide choice of classical works from the Renaissance to the present day. It brings together major works of the repertoire as well as rarer pieces, and also offers transcriptions for piano solo or four hands, selected for their musical and educational interest. Each score, available individually, benefits from careful editorial work: a rigorously established musical text, clear and legible engraving, accompanied by a short biography of the composer and a note on the work.

The “Radetzky March” (in D major), presented here in a solo piano transcription by David Neyrolles, is a rousing piece that demands great rhythmic precision and a certain authority of touch. This title is taken from the reference songbook “9 Famous Classical Themes for Piano”, the third volume of the Anacrouse collection. This elementary-to-intermediate transcription makes it possible to approach the festive, military aspect of the work with fluid writing, focusing on detached notes and the constant energy needed to sustain its irresistible momentum.

Composed in 1848 by Johann Strauss the Elder (1804-1849) in honour of the Austrian field marshal of the same name, this march has become the composer’s most famous work. Traditionally played to close the New Year’s Concert in Vienna, it is known worldwide for its chanted rhythm and jubilant character. This edition offers the pianist the pleasure of rediscovering at the keyboard all the fire, brilliance and good humour of this essential page, often heard at great celebrations or in advertising.