Johann Strauss II Popular Song Ranking [2026]

The morning newspaperJohann Strauss II31rank/position

Morgenblätter, Walzer, Op. 279

The waltz composed by Johann Strauss II in 1864 is an orchestral piece themed around the morning newspaper.

Also known as “The Morning Edition,” it has no lyrics, yet its rhythmic melody conveys the quiet pleasure of picking up a newspaper and the sense of anticipation for a new day.

This brilliant and lively work was performed at Viennese balls, captivating audiences.

A distillation of Strauss II’s exceptional compositional skill and mid-19th-century Viennese culture, it’s also recommended for those who want to savor a morning moment through music.

Explosive PolkaJohann Strauss II32rank/position

Explosions-Polka op. 43 – Johann Strauss II

The title of the piece became “Explosions Polka” after the invention of nitro.

It seems that Johann Strauss II also incorporated trendy elements into his works.

At the time, the word “explosive” was popular among young people.

It was composed for a charity concert called “The Joyful Explosions Festival.” Throughout the polka, many effects evoke explosions, and especially at the end, there is a loud explosive sound.

Polka of the HuntJohann Strauss II33rank/position

Polka “The Hunt” composed by Johann Strauss II

The “Hunting Polka” is a piece Johann Strauss II built as new hunting music, drawing on a story that appears within a stage work.

A polka is a Czech folk dance characterized by a fast rhythm.

The piece itself is very unique, featuring wind instruments that play hunting signals and even expressing whip cracks and gunshots within the music.

Because it is composed around the theme of the hunt, the strings convey a sense of speed while the winds evoke power and bravery.

In fast events or split-second relays, this piece seems likely to heighten the tension.

Goddess of ReasonJohann Strauss II34rank/position

Die Göttin der Vernunft NAXOS.wmv

Johann Strauss II was unenthusiastic about the composition from the outset, and his creative work progressed slowly; even by the time of the premiere, the overture had still not been completed.

While the music received a certain amount of praise, the critics’ assessment of the libretto was unfavorable.

After his death, Ferdinand Stollberg completely rewrote the libretto while leaving the music unchanged, and when it was performed, it achieved a great success surpassing the original work, “The Goddess of Reason.”

Emperor Franz Joseph I Rescue Celebration MarchJohann Strauss II35rank/position

Kaiser Franz Josef I, Rettungs-Jubel Marsch op. 126 – Johann Strauss II

Johann Strauss II, who had been disliked by the court, took advantage of a ceremony to compose a piece, dedicated it to the Emperor, and at last was permitted to conduct dances at court.

He then composed works such as the Emperor Franz Joseph I Life-Saving Celebration March, and thus was able to secure work at the court.

The Blue Danube, Op. 314 (Arrangement)Johann Strauss II36rank/position

J. Strauss II: An der schönen blauen Donau, Waltz, Op. 314

When you think of iconic scenes from the fairy tale Cinderella, the beautifully blooming ball probably comes to mind.

But in this Bold commercial, it’s a different kind of “hana”: a “Nose Ball.” While the other women desperately try to make their noses more appealing, Cinderella, who has been diligently doing laundry, encounters a witch and gains a delightful fragrance.

Thanks to that lovely scent, her fate is completely reversed—she wins the prince’s favor and lives happily ever after… or so the story presumably unfolds from here.

It’s a Bold commercial that drags even the world of fairy tales into its orbit, leaving you curious about what comes next—or rather, about this whole “Nose Ball” concept.

The background music is Johann Strauss’s The Blue Danube.

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The life of an artistJohann Strauss II37rank/position

Strauss – Künstlerleben (Artist’s Life), Op 316 – Jordan

It is said to be a waltz that was written in just a few days.

Its premiere was very poorly received, and Johann Strauss II reportedly lamented to his younger brother Josef about the disappointment of having failed as a composer, saying he had wanted to make it a success somehow.

Today, however, it has completely turned around and become a popular waltz.

Commemorative PoemJohann Strauss II38rank/position

Sinngedichte op. 1 – Johann Strauss II

At Johann Strauss II’s debut concert, he premiered the waltz “Gedicht zur Feier,” the “Debut Quadrille,” the polka “To Your Heart’s Content,” and the waltz “Please Favor Us.” In particular, the waltz “Gedicht zur Feier” so captivated the audience that it was encored 19 times.

Other Japanese titles for it include “Epigrammatic Poem,” “Commemorative Song,” and “Aphorisms.” The debut concert was a great success, and newspapers hailed it with the words: “Good night, Strauss I; good morning, Strauss II!”

Wine, women, and songJohann Strauss II39rank/position

Wein, Weib und Gesang op. 333 – Johann Strauss II

Published in 1869, this work is characterized by its lively rhythm and captivating melody.

Symbolizing the hedonistic phrase “wine, women, and song,” the piece celebrates the joys and pleasures of life.

Although it was composed for the Vienna Men’s Choral Association, it is now often performed without vocal parts.

This is one of the pieces that solidified Johann Strauss II’s reputation as the “Waltz King,” and it remains widely beloved at classical concerts and festivals.

Do give it a listen.

Revolutionary MarchJohann Strauss II40rank/position

Revolutions-Marsch op. 54 – Johann Strauss II

When the Revolutions of 1848 broke out, Johann Strauss II was on a concert tour to Eastern Europe.

From Styria in southern Austria, he checked on the situation of the revolution in Vienna, and, judging that the citizens had the upper hand, he declared himself a supporter of the revolution and returned to Vienna.

Taking the lead among the mainly student revolutionaries, he composed pieces such as the “Revolution March,” and even performed “La Marseillaise,” the French revolutionary song that was banned in Austria, engaging in anti-government activities; as a result, he fell out of favor with the court of the time.