Johann Strauss II Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Waltz of TreasureJohann Strauss II29rank/position

Schatz-Walzer op. 418 – Johann Strauss II

Composed by Johann Strauss II and premiered in 1885, this piece is a masterpiece born from the operetta The Gypsy Baron.

Its light, elegant melody is striking.

The structure, which builds gradually from the introduction and unfolds into a beautiful main theme, evokes the splendor of a ballroom.

The exotic atmosphere—tinged with influences from Hungarian and Gypsy culture—is also captivating.

Expressing hidden treasure, a spirit of adventure, and romantic love through music, this work is recommended not only for fans of classical music but for anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in an elegant world.

Perpetual MotionJohann Strauss II30rank/position

Johann Strauss II: Perpetuum mobile, Op. 257 (A Musical Joke) / Willi Boskovsky conducting the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

Composed in 1861, Perpetuum Mobile is a piece that gives the impression of moving forever.

Also known as a “perpetual motion” work, it is characterized by a continuous stream of notes played at a steady tempo, employing virtuosity in a form that can, in principle, repeat infinitely.

Showcasing Johann Strauss II’s originality and sense of humor, this work remains fresh today and continues to be loved by many.

It is frequently performed at New Year’s Concerts and is highly recommended for those seeking light, delightful music.

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.