– Arrangement –
Johann Strauss II
Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka
op. 214
Arrangement for
Percussion Quartet
Leonhard Waltersdorfer

Quartet Version

written by:
Johann Strauss II
arranged by:
Leonhard Waltersdorfer
AKM registration number:
23650336

This arrangement of Johann Strauss’ Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka transfers the lively concert polka to a compact percussion quartet setting.

The emphasis lies on rhythmic clarity, sharp articulation and rapid character shifts, preserving the wit and kinetic energy of the original within a transparent mallet-ensemble texture. Short, playful gestures and clearly defined exchanges between the instruments highlight the humorous character of the piece without exaggeration.

The arrangement is conceived as a concise and immediately communicative work, well suited to concert programmes that benefit from contrast and momentum.

A trio version for Styrian accordion and mallet instruments has also been developed.

Instrumentation

  • Xylophone
  • Vibraphone & Desk bells (or glockenspiel)
  • Marimba 1 (4⅓-octave)
  • Marimba 2 (5-octave)

The sheet music for this work is published by Vienna Percussion Editions.