Johann Strauss II (1825-1899)

Johann Strauss forbade his son to follow him into the musical profession but Johann Strauss Jr was destined to become the most famous of the Strauss family. After studying violin and forming his own orchestra, he made his debut in 1844 as composer-conductor at Dommayers Casino in Vienna.

A career of prolific output followed - over 550 works - including popular waltzes, polkas and quadrilles. The waltz which had been a peasant dance was transformed into a form fit for the royal court.

Strauss II became known as Vienna’s ‘Waltz King’ and master of light music. His stage music included 15 operettas. Die Fledermaus was first performed in 1874 and was a worldwide success. Other key works are the operetta Der Zigeunerbaron (The Gypsy Baron) and the waltzes Blue Danube and Tales from Vienna Woods.