Johann Strauss II’s The Blue Danube (An der schönen blauen Donau) is one of the most beloved and recognizable waltzes ever written. Since its premiere in 1867, it has come to symbolize the elegance, charm, and rhythmic vitality of Viennese music.

In this arrangement for two pianos, eight hands, Matteo Generani reimagines the orchestral brilliance of Strauss’s original through the expressive possibilities of the piano. Divided across two instruments, the work gains new clarity and freshness: shimmering textures, flowing melodies, and vivid contrasts emerge in a sparkling dialogue between four pianists.

Balancing lyricism with rhythmic energy, this version invites performers to share in a virtuosic and highly collaborative experience. The expanded range of two pianos allows for orchestral depth and color, while the close interplay among the pianists preserves the lightness and elegance at the heart of the Viennese waltz tradition.

This arrangement was created for the 2025 Out West Piano Fest, organized by Mark Coughlan and Piano Plus Australia, where it will receive its world premiere in Bathurst.

The result is both a tribute to Strauss’s timeless masterpiece and a vibrant new concert experience—celebrating the joy, brilliance, and sophistication that have made The Blue Danube an enduring symbol of Viennese music.