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Johann Strauss II Popular Song Ranking [2026]
Johann Strauss II, who produced numerous famous waltzes such as “The Blue Danube,” “Tales from the Vienna Woods,” and “Emperor Waltz.”
This time, we’re focusing on him.
We’ve compiled a ranked list of his most-played tracks so far, so please take a look.
Johann Strauss II Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
Tritsch-Tratsch-PolkaJohann Strauss II1rank/position
A polka composed by Johann Strauss II, known as the “Waltz King” in 19th-century Vienna.
Premiered in 1858, it depicts Viennese love of gossip through a piano duet.
Its light, cheerful melody is distinctive, with various instruments sounding as if they are engaged in conversation.
In Japan, it is often used as background music at school sports festivals, so many people may have heard it.
Although only about two and a half minutes long, it is packed with rich musical content and delights listeners.
Evoking the atmosphere of Viennese high society, this work is recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy classical music casually.
The Blue DanubeJohann Strauss II2rank/position
A masterpiece by Johann Strauss II, a composer who epitomized 19th-century Vienna.
Its beautifully flowing melody, as if celebrating the arrival of spring, evokes the bountiful blessings of the Danube River.
At first glance it seems a dazzling piece, but in fact it contains satire on society.
It skillfully weaves in the struggles of the Viennese of the time and criticism of politics.
Yet by setting these sentiments to a lighthearted waltz, the work has the power to lift listeners’ spirits.
It’s a perfect piece for those who want to feel a new sense of hope with the coming of spring.
The Blue DanubeJohann Strauss II3rank/position
Composed in 1867, this famous piece is known as a quintessential Viennese waltz.
It was originally written as a male chorus work, but was later arranged for orchestra, gaining even greater popularity.
The piece was intended to lift the spirits of the people of Vienna, who were disheartened by defeat in the Austro-Prussian War.
Its lyrics praise the beauty of the Danube River, the lives of the people, and prayers for a hopeful future, conveying Johann Strauss II’s desire to influence society through music.
With its graceful melody and profound meaning, this work is highly recommended for anyone interested in classical music.
Thunder and LightningJohann Strauss II4rank/position
Here’s an intermediate-level piano duet piece from a classical masterpiece.
Johann Strauss II’s polka “Thunder and Lightning” has been arranged for piano four hands.
The arrangement in the video is included in Noriko Omura’s Duet Piece Selection and is presented as a cool duet piece.
The original is for orchestra, but this arrangement preserves the original timbres while making it fun to play as a duet.
In the orchestral version, the bass drum vividly depicts thunder and the cymbals lightning; in the duet, these are expressed through rapid passages and dynamic contrasts.
When performing, the key is whether you can convey on the piano what the percussion does in the original.
Simply playing loudly will only make the sound muddy.
It’s a good idea to record your performance and aim to capture those subtle nuances!
The Voice of SpringJohann Strauss II5rank/position
Composed by Johann Strauss II in 1882, this work is characterized by a bright, hopeful melody that seems to celebrate the arrival of spring.
It exists in an orchestral version and a version with soprano solo, both featuring brilliant lines that evoke the breath of spring.
The lyrics depict the lark’s song, soft air, and a pleasant breeze sweeping across the fields, praising nature’s awakening.
Widely loved as one of Strauss II’s representative pieces, it is also performed as part of ballets and operettas.
It’s recommended for those who want to feel the coming of spring or lift their mood with something cheerful and optimistic.
HuntingJohann Strauss II6rank/position
This piece is a lively polka schnell based on melodies from Johann Strauss II’s operetta Cagliostro in Wien.
The work is themed around the hunt, featuring a vibrant melody that evokes the sound of horses’ hooves and the exhilaration of the chase.
Although there are no lyrics, the music itself vividly portrays scenes of hunting.
Premiered in the late autumn of 1875, it reflects the splendor and optimism of Viennese society at the time, transporting listeners to the social world of the 19th century.
Its bright, approachable tunes make it a great recommendation even for those unfamiliar with classical music.
Polka: “Thunderclap and Lightning”Johann Strauss II7rank/position
As the title suggests, this is a very powerful piece.
Johann Strauss II composed it for the Artists’ Association “Hesperus.” While the opening might make it seem tense, the overall mood is actually very bright.
It’s also a familiar track often used as background music at sports days, so many people may have heard it.
The cymbals and bass drum stand out vividly, lifting the energy not only of the runners but also the audience.
It’s a highly recommended piece that really gets you pumped up when you listen to it!
