It’s been more than three decades since Mnozil Brass began flitting back and forth between Johann Strauss and Frank Sinatra, between Shostakovich and Prince, between Schubert and Queen. The masterful musicians of Mnozil Brass know full well that a mere “warm, embracing dance” lies between the manic waltz Duidu, Duidu and its easy-going counterpart Dudidubidu.
The seven are no more concerned with the solemn grandeur of the one piece than they are about the supposed banality of the other. But Strauss – adored by Brahms, Wagner, Verdi and even Gershwin as much as he was by the artisans and lasses of the suburbs – was the originator of nonchalant flirting on the dance floor.
Strauss, that prolific producer of hits, hired an arranger so that he could work even faster. He also realised that, together with his brothers, he could reproduce his music throughout the world. He was the first to break down the strict divide between music as high art and music as entertainment for the masses. Crowned “King of the Waltz”, he enjoyed the sweet sound of money that accompanied the sweet sound of his music. With Strau$$, Mnozil Brass reveal all about Strauss from their point of view. No holds barred.
