Johann Strauss II | Introducing Famous and Classic Pieces
Johann Strauss II, a leading Romantic composer who was active in Vienna, Austria.
Focusing on dance music such as the Viennese waltz and the polka, a Czech folk dance, he was known as the “Waltz King” and the “Sun of Vienna.”
Moreover, having produced masterpieces in operetta as well, he was also called the “King of Operetta,” enjoying immense popularity not only in Austria but throughout Europe.
In this article, we introduce some of Strauss II’s famous and staple pieces.
Why not immerse yourself in his dazzling music?
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Johann Strauss II | Introducing Famous and Classic Pieces (21–30)
Champagne PolkaJohann Strauss II
This piece was composed in a short period of time in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Its original title was “Champagne at the Ball,” but it was later changed to the current title.
The sound of a champagne bottle being opened appears multiple times throughout the piece, making it a lively number.
The Blue and Beautiful DanubeJohann Strauss II
Here is a Viennese waltz composed by Johann Strauss II in 1867.
The Viennese waltz is a style of waltz that was popular in 19th-century Vienna, characterized by uneven lengths within the three beats, with the second beat played slightly early.
Along with “Tales from the Vienna Woods” and the “Emperor Waltz,” it is regarded as one of the three great waltzes by Johann Strauss II and is affectionately known in Austria as a second national anthem.
It was originally written as a choral work, but its lyrics have been rewritten several times to suit the times.
Johann Strauss II | Introducing Famous and Classic Pieces (31–40)
Overture from the comic opera ‘Die Fledermaus’Johann Strauss II
It opens with a highly energetic phrase.
You’re drawn in by one delightful melody after another.
It feels like a song that makes you unable to wait for tomorrow.
It overflows with hope and vitality.
I think it suits a romance between young people.
Waltz “Artist’s Life,” Op. 316Johann Strauss II
Johann Strauss II was born in Vienna in 1804.
His father, Johann I, produced numerous dance pieces and was known as the “Father of the Waltz.” In 1867, Johann II composed the waltz “Artist’s Life,” a piece that depicts a lively gathering of Viennese artists.
Persian MarchJohann Strauss II
It was dedicated to the Shah of Persia (modern-day Iran).
In Russia, the work’s title was “Persian Army March,” but its premiere under the current title took place that December at a charity concert in Vienna.
The Persian monarch did not visit Vienna for the first time until nine years later, in 1873.
Rather than a heavy, militaristic march, it is a march intended to evoke the Middle East.
Roses of the TropicsJohann Strauss II
On October 1, 1880, he premiered his own operetta, The Queen’s Lace Handkerchief.
King Umberto I of Italy was very fond of the operetta, and news of this eventually reached Johann Strauss II, who immediately arranged motifs from the operetta into Roses from the South, dedicating the piece to Umberto I.
This music has also been used in Star Trek.
Overture to the operetta ‘Die Fledermaus’Johann Strauss II
It is the overture to a comic opera composed in 1874 by a German composer.
The opera incorporates comedic elements, and the overture features a light and cheerful character that heightens the start of its amusing story.
It is also frequently performed at the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert.