Johann Strauss II Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Viennese TemperJohann Strauss II11rank/position

Vienna Philharmonic – Strauss: Wiener Blut, Walzer, Op. 354 (SNC 2021)

The waltz composed by Johann Strauss II in 1866 is a masterpiece that expresses the charm of Vienna through music.

It is characterized by a light, lively rhythm and a brilliant melody, vividly capturing the atmosphere of Viennese high society.

It begins with the tense sounds of clarinet and pizzicato in the introduction, then unfolds into a stately first waltz theme.

In the latter half, cheerful sections are contrasted with gentle melodies, captivating the listener.

Celebrating the spirit and life of Vienna, this piece is recommended for anyone who wants to experience the atmosphere of a glittering ball.

Roses of the TropicsJohann Strauss II12rank/position

Strauss “Roses from the South” | Waltzes and Polkas | Full Orchestra Performance [Conducted by Hiroshi Yoshida] Bologna Opera House Philharmonic

A masterpiece by Johann Strauss II, known as the “Waltz King,” where elegance and pathos coexist.

Reworked from songs in his own operetta The Queen’s Lace Handkerchief, it is a concert waltz first performed in November 1880.

The “southern” in the title symbolizes Italy, with which Austria enjoyed friendly relations at the time, and it is famously said to have been dedicated to King Umberto I of Italy.

From the melancholic timbre of the introduction, the piece gradually gathers heat and unfolds toward a dazzling climax—truly breathtaking.

Give it a listen when you want to forget the everyday and bask in elegance, or when you wish to create an atmosphere of refined grace.

The Blue and Beautiful DanubeJohann Strauss II13rank/position

Waltz “The Blue Danube” Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert 2014

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.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Annen PolkaJohann Strauss II14rank/position

Annen-Polka, a polka composed by Johann Strauss II

It is said that Johann Strauss II had something of a mother complex, and this piece is also said to have been secretly dedicated to his mother, Anna.

His father, Johann Strauss I, also composed a piece with the same title, the Annen-Polka, in 1842, which is also well known, but it has an entirely different musical character.

Indigo and the Forty ThievesJohann Strauss II15rank/position

Indigo und die vierzig Räuber: Ouvertüre

In 1870, misfortunes struck Johann’s family one after another, and Johann Strauss II, who had a morbid fear of death, was utterly devastated mentally.

Having lost his creative drive, Strauss was passionately urged by those around him to compose an operetta.

Encouraged by Offenbach as well to try his hand at operetta, Johann decided to pursue that path.

This was his first operetta, a work based on One Thousand and One Nights.

Egyptian MarchJohann Strauss II16rank/position

Ägyptischer Marsch op. 335 – Johann Strauss II

Originally, it was called the Circassian March, named after the Circassian people, a minority in the Caucasus region.

With the opening of the Suez Canal, various composers contributed pieces.

The canal’s inauguration inspired Europeans and stoked their interest in the Orient.

In this atmosphere, Johann Strauss II also changed the title of his Circassian March to Egyptian March in honor of the Suez Canal’s opening and dedicated it to Grand Duke Frederick I of Baden.

However, since modern-day Egypt is not in the Caucasus, the piece feels, if anything, more Russian in character.

Orpheus QuadrilleJohann Strauss II17rank/position

Kendlingers K&K Philharmoniker: »Orpheus-Quadrille« op. 236 | Johann Strauß

Orpheus Quadrille by Johann Strauss II is a quadrille inspired by Offenbach’s opera.

Comprising six sections, it skillfully weaves in melodies from the opera, enchanting audiences of the time.

When it premiered in Vienna in 1860, it likely enjoyed immense popularity as accompaniment for social dancing.

Showcasing Strauss II’s brilliance, this piece is recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for anyone who wants to savor the atmosphere of a glittering ballroom.

Champagne PolkaJohann Strauss II18rank/position

Strauss – Polka Champagne Op. 211

Composed by Johann Strauss II in 1858, this lively and humorous piece is distinguished by its effects that imitate the pop of a champagne cork, brilliantly capturing the atmosphere of high society and ballroom culture of the time.

Written during his visit to Russia, it premiered near Saint Petersburg.

Its cheerful polka rhythm conveys the bustle of celebrations and parties.

It’s a perfect choice for anyone seeking a festive mood or interested in Vienna’s musical culture.

The Gypsy BaronJohann Strauss II19rank/position

Johann Strauß II: Ouvertüre »Der Zigeunerbaron« · Kendlinger

It is the most famous operetta after Die Fledermaus.

Johann Strauss II’s work premiered in Vienna the day before his 60th birthday.

Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria was so taken with The Gypsy Baron that he summoned Strauss to the imperial box and praised him.

In Japan, the Takarazuka Revue staged a modern musical remake of the work in September 2010.

Spanish MarchJohann Strauss II20rank/position

J. Strauss II: Spanischer Marsch, Op. 433

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.