Lesson 6: Johann Strauss I

Johann Strauss I

Johann Strauss I was born in Vienna, Austria. While working as an apprentice to a bookbinder, Strauss I took violin and viola lessons. In the 1820s, he joined several small bands and orchestras. He eventually became the conductor for a small orchestra, but soon left to form his own band. He began to compose music for the band to play and he soon became one of the most popular composers for dances in Vienna. One of the techniques that Strauss used in his compositions was to include popular melodies from the time period in his music. This helped to widen his audience and make his music more popular. The form of music that Strauss I is perhaps best known for is the Viennese waltz, which uses triple time, and he is sometimes called the 'Father of the Viennese Waltz'. He died in 1849 from scarlet fever.

What Johann Strauss I started with the Viennese waltz, his son, Johann Strauss II, would continue, achieving even more popularity than his father. Known as the 'Waltz King,' Strauss II composed over 500 waltzes, polkas, and other dance music. Some of his most famous works include The Blue Danube and Tales from the Vienna Woods.

Johann Strauss II became a composer against his father's wishes (Strauss I wanted his son to become a banker). He studied the violin in secret with one of the violinists from Strauss I's orchestra. Eventually, Strauss II dedicated himself to studying, composing, and playing music. His entry into the music scene wasn't an easy one, however, since many businesses and individuals were wary of angering Strauss I if they hired Strauss II. Like his father, Strauss II specialized in dance music, particularly the waltz. When his father died, Strauss II merged their orchestras and began to achieve greater fame.