The first performance was at the famed Vienna Volksgarten on 18 June 1852 under the composer's direction.
The fierce and uncompromising Viennese critic Eduard Hanslick was even captivated by this waltz by writing in the journal "Wiener Zeitung" the following extract "Those bad-tempered old-fashioned people, whose narrow-mindedness goes far as to call today's dance music contemptible should be serenaded with ashaming generosity by the 'Liebeslieder' of the young Johann Strauss."
The first theme is that of a yearning feeling, before accelerating into a strong melody.
The piece ends dramatically, with a sense of anticipation, on a timpani drumroll and brass flourish.
Based on original text by Peter Kemp, The Johann Strauss Society of Great Britain.