The melodies in this waltz were drawn from Strauss' operetta Der Zigeunerbaron ("The Gypsy Baron"), which premiered to critical acclaim on 24 October 1885.
The waltz version was first performed on 22 November that year in the concert hall of the Vienna Musikverein, with Eduard Strauss conducting.
The work begins in C major, in a march-like tune ("Du kannst den Zigeunern getrost vertrau'n") before the "So voll Fröhlichkeit" first waltz section melodies enter.
The third waltz section begins with the tranquil passage "Nur keusch und rein", followed by the dramatically romantic second part ("Ja, das Alles auf Ehr") in E-flat major.
The coda recalls earlier material briefly before the first waltz section dances in and rushes headlong into a dazzling finish, underlined by a timpani drumroll and brass flourish.