DEMOLIERER, POLKA FRANCAISE (DEMOLIERER-POLKA), Op. 269 is a polka by Johann Strauss II (1825-1899), composed in 1862 to mark the demolition of Vienna's medieval city walls following a decree by Franz Josef I to expand its boundaries. The first performance took place in the "Sperl" ballroom on November 22, 1862. Despite its unusual name, it makes no musical reference to that event but retains a lighthearted character so typical for the Viennese polkas of the time. Instrumentation: 1+Picc.2.2.2: 4.2.1.0: Timp.Perc(1): Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set): Pno Cond Sc in set.