Johann Strauss, the Waltz King

The most prominent representative of the Strauss family, Johann Strauss Jr. is known as The Waltz King. He wrote over 160 waltzes and for many years he was Music Director of the Royal Court Balls. However, he could just as well be called the King of Polkas, Marches and Quadrilles, which are no less popular than his waltzes.

True Art does not lose its value over time, and the music by Johann Strauss Jr. is still as magnetic and captivating as it was before. You can get added evidence of that at the Johann Strauss, the Waltz King gala concert. The programme comprises his famous waltzes: On the Beautiful Blue Danube, Voices of Spring, Emperor Waltz, Tales from the Vienna Wood. Great Waltz, the Hollywood film about Strauss’ life, relates that the Tales from the Vienna Wood waltz was inspired by carriage creaking, clattering horse hoofs and birds chirping during one of the composer’s trips through the forest. The forest theme will be carried on in the Huntsman polka, while Unter Donner und Blitz, Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka and Pizzicato-Polka will produce striking sound effects. This music cocktail will be topped with excerpts from the composer’s two most popular operettas: sparkling and vivacious Die Fledermaus and colourful Der Zigeunerbaron that rings with Hungarian and Gypsy overtones.