Johann Strauss II Popular Song Ranking [2026]

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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SAKI

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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.

Knight PazmanJohann Strauss II41rank/position

Ritter Pásmán, Op. 441: Czárdás

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.

Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka, Op. 214Johann Strauss II42rank/position

Yuja Wang plays Tritsch-Tratsch Polka

Johann Strauss II’s 1858 masterpiece, Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka, Op.

214.

It’s characterized by a light, spirited style and is often used at elementary school sports days in Japan.

While it’s not a piece that showcases a wide array of complex techniques, the speed of its passages is unquestionably at an advanced level.

Though it’s a relatively minor work, it has strong performance impact, so I believe it’s perfectly suitable as a piece for recitals or competitions.

Be sure to check it out.

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Ryo

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