Josef Strauss (1827-1870) wrote the fast polka OHNE SORGEN! (WITHOUT CARES), Op. 271 in the summer of 1869 while staying with his brother Johann in Pavlosk, which is near St. Petersberg. Having just recovered from an illness, Strauss wanted to create a lively music full of intoxicating optimism, with directions even given to the musicians to laugh ("ha, ha, ha"). The work premiered on September 10, 1869, less than a year before his passing. Instrumentation: 1+Picc.2.2.2: 4.3.3.1: Timp.Perc(3): Accordion.Pno Cond Sc in set: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set).