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 (41–50)
Overture To Die Fledermaus, Op. 362Johann Strauss II
This is a commercial that aired during the 2016 Christmas season.
A grandmother who is avidly watching a figure skating broadcast receives a gift from her son: letting a Volkswagen glide across the ice rink! The music is known as Johann Strauss II’s “Bat Polka,” performed by the Royal Philharmonic.
Johann Strauss II | Introducing Famous and Classic Pieces (51–60)
The Blue Danube WaltzJohann Strauss II
A work by Strauss, who composed numerous waltzes.
He wrote it to encourage his countrymen, who were despondent after losing the war, and it is still loved and often used in Austria today.
Set to poetry, it is a beautiful piece filled with hope and encouragement.
Pizzicato PolkaJohann Strauss II
The distinctive features of this piece are that it is performed solely with string instruments and that it is played not by bowing the strings but only by plucking them.
Although it uses a simple plucking technique—pon, pon—it offers a variety of tonal expressions, making it an enjoyable piece.
Waltz “Vienna Temperament”Johann Strauss II
It’s a beautiful, fantasy-like piece that feels like dancing at a fairy-tale ball.
For classic moments like the cake-cutting, a song like this would be lovely.
It’s a waltz, but it has some standout, exciting sections, and if the emcee skillfully guides the couple in time with the music, the main scene is sure to be a success.
Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka, Op. 214Johann Strauss II
Johann Strauss II’s 1858 masterpiece, Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka, Op.
214.
It’s characterized by a light, spirited style and is often used at elementary school sports days in Japan.
While it’s not a piece that showcases a wide array of complex techniques, the speed of its passages is unquestionably at an advanced level.
Though it’s a relatively minor work, it has strong performance impact, so I believe it’s perfectly suitable as a piece for recitals or competitions.
Be sure to check it out.
Overture to the operetta “Die Fledermaus”Johann Strauss II
Johann Strauss II, a composer emblematic of Vienna.
His work Die Fledermaus is an operetta set in 19th-century Vienna.
The overture is distinguished by lively, elegant Viennese waltz melodies.
Its music, bubbling like champagne, brilliantly conveys the comic atmosphere of the entire piece.
It premiered in 1874 at the Theater an der Wien.
The story, woven from disguises and deceptions, satirizes the glitter and frivolity of the social scene of the time and brims with humor.
It’s a perfect piece for anyone who wants to savor the charm of Vienna through music.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced some of Johann Strauss II’s famous and classic pieces.
There are so many dance tunes that make you want to move, and they’re a joy to listen to.
Perhaps you could sense the worldview of 19th-century Europe through his music.
Even just among waltzes and polkas, he left over a hundred works of each, so be sure to explore his other pieces too!