Music ran through the veins of Johann Strauss II and – despite his father’s opposition – he went on to compose many of the ...

The thunder and lightning effects in this Polka are not exactly realistic, but full marks to the composer – and percussion section – for enthusiasm. Josef Strauss clearly felt he’d exploited all the ...

Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

The Strauss family led Europeans a merry waltz in a repressive age. But what was the secret that kept Johann II, the greatest Strauss, from dancing himself? If any composer could be said to have ...

Johann Strauss II is known the world over as the "King of Waltz." Even back in the 19th century, his dance music in three-quarter time made crowds go wild and won the hearts of women around the globe.

Johann Strauss, seen here circa 1868, wrote what is probably the most famous waltz of all time: "The Blue Danube." (Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Johann Strauss II, known as "The Waltz King," helped ...

Instead, the younger Strauss went on to become Vienna’s famous Waltz King, forever remembered for his delightful dance music and operas. What happened? He got help from his mom. Right under her ...

Johann II’s grandfather was a humble innkeeper on the outskirts of Vienna and committed suicide after his second marriage; Johann I (1804-49) picked up a love of music from the itinerant musicians who ...