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)
The Blue Danube, Op. 314 (Arrangement)Johann Strauss II
In the commercial for Bold Gel Ball titled “Cinderella ~ The Ball of Noses,” which aired starting in 2014, the music used is an arrangement of The Blue Danube by composer Johann Strauss II, also known as the Waltz King.
Johann Strauss II | Introducing Famous and Classic Pieces (51–60)
Waltz ‘The Blue Danube’Johann Strauss II
Johann Strauss II’s waltz “The Blue Danube” is said to be one of Strauss II’s “three great waltzes,” along with “Tales from the Vienna Woods” and the “Emperor Waltz.” In Austria, it is called the “second national anthem.” The piece is known for symbolizing the unification of Austria through the flow of the Danube, and it is also famous as a work that is always performed at the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert.
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.
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.
Spanish MarchJohann Strauss II
A somewhat lengthy march that opens with a bright, confident fanfare; the melody is distinctly Spanish in character, yet it is entirely Johann Strauss II’s original.
It is still occasionally performed today, for example at New Year’s Concerts.
Knight PazmanJohann Strauss II
The music was well received, but the crucial libretto was far too dull, so the production was quickly canceled.
As a result, Johann Strauss II was left with a large amount of debt.
It was later staged in Prague, but again failed, and this opera—composed over three years—ultimately ended up being shelved.