Johann Strauss II

Johann Strauss II (or Johann Strauss the Younger, or Johann Strauss Jr., or Johann Sebastian Strauss) (October 25, 1825 – June 3, 1899) was an Austrian composer known especially for his waltzes, such as The Blue Danube.

Related Topics:
October 25 - 1825 - June 3 - 1899 - Austria - Composer - Waltz - The Blue Danube

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Johann Strauss II was the son of Johann Strauss I, himself a composer. His brothers Josef Strauss and Eduard Strauss were also composers; but Johann II is the most famous of the family. He was known in his lifetime as "the waltz king," and the popularity of the waltz in Vienna through the 19th century is due in large part to him. He became the "waltz king" by his revolutionary elevation of the waltz from lowly peasant dance to sparkling entertainment for the royal Habsburg court. Not only did he revolutionize the waltz, but his work was far superior to that of his predecessors (such as Josef Lanner and Johann Strauss I)--and has enjoyed greater fame. Some of his polkas and marches are also well known, as is his operetta Die Fledermaus.

Related Topics:
Johann Strauss I - Josef Strauss - Eduard Strauss - Vienna - 19th century - Habsburg - Josef Lanner - Polka - March - Operetta - Die Fledermaus

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