As the expert Pablo L. Rodríguez predicted in EL PAÍS, in his guide to follow the Vienna New Year’s concert in 2025, the recital brought an important novelty.
This edition of a traditional concert has included, for the first time in its 85-year history, the work of a female composer, linked to the Strauss family. Written by 12-year-old child prodigy Constanze Geiger, its title is Fernando’s waltz (1848) and was premiered by Johann Strauss Sr. with his orchestra at the Sofiensaal.
“In its 85-year history, a piece by a woman has never been played at the Vienna New Year’s Concert. Until today. This is what Constanze Geiger’s piece ‘Ferdinandus’ sounds like,” RTVE’s La 1 shared on social media in the message with the video of the moment.
As the expert Pablo L. Rodríguez explains in the guide, the tradition of the New Year’s Concert is related to the Strauss, a dynasty of 19th century Viennese dance music and operetta composers formed by the patriarch Johann and his three sons Johann, Josef and Eduard. But in addition, the Viennese recital also includes works by composers contemporary with the Strauss or related to the orchestra. This 2025, the work of this composer, Constanze Geiger (1835-1890), a famous girl to whom Strauss Sr. dedicated his work, has been performed. Flora-Quadrille.
The idea of including it arose from the demanding New Year’s Concert of female composers from Vienna, organized by Irene Suchy on January 1, 2024, at the Ehrbar Saal in Vienna.