Johann Strauss (Sohn)

Thunder and Lightning Polka Op. 324

This Orchestral score and instrumental parts have been arranged by Frank Naylor for school and amateur Orchestras. This set includes a conductor's score and instrumental parts as well as Piano accompaniment, elementary Violin, Alto and Tenor Saxophone and 3rd Violin.

With the composition of the Thunder and Lightning Polka, Johann Strauss completed the elevation of the polka from an Eastern European peasant romp to a dance form embraced by Vienna's most fashionable circles. The 'Waltz King' was also a prolific composer other dance music: gallops and polkas, marches and quadrilles. His sparkling, dazzling Thunder and Lightning quick polka has become such a favourite in the repertoire that it is played every year along with The Blue Danube in the Vienna Philharmonic's New Year's Day Concert. The programmatic scoring evokes elemental weather events through the extensive use of timpani and the clashing of cymbals, sforzandi and dramatic accents. The piece ends with as much excitement and energy as it begins, not flagging for a second.