Jokey Polka (Polka Schnell), Op. 278 [arrangement] Cover Image

Jokey Polka (Polka Schnell), Op. 278 [arrangement]: Full Orchestra, Ensemble Works Conductor Score

$3.00 USD

Jokey Polka (Polka Schnell), Op. 278 [arrangement]: Full Orchestra, Ensemble Works Conductor Score

Name: Jokey Polka (Polka Schnell), Op. 278 [arrangement]: Full Orchestra, Ensemble Works Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 36-A794999
Price: 3.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Josef Strauss / arr. Max Schoenherr

Item: 36-A794999

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Jokey-Polka, Op. 278, by Josef Strauss (1827-1870) was written originally for piano in 1870. This arrangement for orchestra of the fast polka (polka schnell) was completed by Austrian composer, arranger, and conductor Max Schönherr (1903-1984). Instrumentation: 1+Picc.2.2.2: 4.3.3.1: Timp.Perc(2-3): Accordian: Str(8-8-7-6-5 + 2VnOblig in set): Pno Sc in set.

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Series: Kalmus Orchestra Library

Publisher: Keiser Productions, Inc.

ISBN10: 1-63-887948-6

ISBN13: 978-1-63-887948-0

UPC: 735816463663

SKU: 36-A794999

Instrumentation: Full Orchestra, Ensemble Works

More about this title

About the Composer: Josef Strauss

Josef Strauss (1827-1870) was the younger brother of Johann Strauss II and a formidable composer in his own right, though he remains less famous today. He wrote over 300 works for orchestra and piano, specializing in waltzes, polkas, and other dance forms that defined the Viennese concert and ballroom tradition. His gift for melody and orchestration earned him respect from contemporaries, and many of his pieces deserve a place alongside his brother's more celebrated catalog.

Strauss's polkas, in particular, showcase his wit and rhythmic inventiveness. The Jokey Polka belongs to the schnell (fast polka) tradition, a subgenre that trades the gentle lilt of the standard polka for driving energy and playful complexity. He composed this work near the end of his life in 1870, and it captures the exuberance and technical brilliance that defined the golden age of Viennese music.

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Why we love this

The Jokey Polka sits at the intersection of accessibility and sophistication: it's fun enough to engage audiences immediately, yet structurally rich enough to hold players' and listeners' attention. Schönherr's orchestration honors Strauss's original character while opening the piece to full orchestra color, making it an ideal closer for a concert program or a spirited foil to heavier classical works.

What to expect

This polka bubbles with mischief and light-hearted charm. The quick tempo and dancing rhythms invite players and listeners alike into a world of Viennese joy, yet the harmonic sophistication and orchestral color add depth beneath the sparkle. It's the musical equivalent of a knowing wink, full of personality without pretension.

Who it's for

Orchestras seeking a crowd-pleasing encore or concert opener will find the Jokey Polka ideal for ensembles at the intermediate to advanced level. It requires solid rhythmic ensemble work and sectional coordination, making it an excellent way to build orchestral discipline while keeping rehearsals engaging.

How to get the most out of it

Keep the tempo brisk and even; the polka schnell thrives on rhythmic precision and forward momentum rather than rubato. Use the conductor's clear beat to lock the section attacks.
Balance the accordion part as a distinct voice: it carries harmonic flavor and should register clearly without overwhelming the string accompaniment.
Shape the melodic phrases with gentle dynamic contours to avoid mechanical playing. A polka should bubble with energy, not steamroll.
Coordinate the percussion and timpani cues tightly with the strings and woodwinds; even brief interjections will land more effectively if they're rhythmically clean.

How to use it

Program this as a concert finale to send audiences home smiling, or place it between substantial works to provide both a palate cleanser and a moment of pure fun. It pairs beautifully with other Viennese composers (Lanner, Johann Strauss II) or can stand alone as a refreshing contrast to Romantic symphonic repertoire.