Vienna is celebrating the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss II, the composer famously known for his iconic waltz “The Blue Danube,” which is often regarded as Austria’s unofficial national anthem. Strauss composed over 500 dance pieces, many of which are still played during Vienna’s bustling ball season. His music’s enduring popularity is credited to its ability to resonate with people from all walks of life, according to his great-grand-nephew, Eduard Strauss.
Strauss’s influence extended beyond his melodies; he was one of the first musicians to gain fame through effective marketing, becoming a star figure much like today’s pop icons. To commemorate his bicentenary, Vienna is hosting concerts, special events, and exhibitions, with even an Austrian Airlines airplane adorned with his portrait.
Born in 1825 into a family of renowned musicians, Strauss’s rise to fame wasn’t immediate. His father, Johann Strauss I, disapproved of his son pursuing a musical career, but with the support of his mother, Johann Jr. secretly took violin lessons. Despite initial struggles, he surpassed his father’s simpler waltzes by transforming them into refined concert pieces that captivated audiences in 19th-century Vienna.
Strauss’s performances were known for their dynamic energy, where he famously conducted while playing the violin. He was also admired for his appearance, maintaining a stylish look throughout his career. Offstage, however, he battled insecurities and personal struggles, including phobias and challenges in his personal relationships.
Following his father’s death, Strauss took over his orchestra and continued to create and perform, despite facing mental and physical exhaustion. In 1866, he composed “The Blue Danube,” now a fixture in Vienna’s New Year’s concert. Although he despised travel, Strauss toured Europe extensively and even performed at the World’s Peace Jubilee in Boston in 1872.
His later years saw the composition of operettas, including the famous “Die Fledermaus.” Today, Strauss’s waltzes continue to be enjoyed not just at dance floors but in concert halls worldwide, cementing his legacy as a composer who bridged both popular and classical music. Strauss passed away in 1899, leaving behind an enduring musical heritage.
