Person details

Johann Baptist Strauss

II (1825-1899)

Strauss, Johann Baptist (1825-1899). Austrian composer, violinist and conductor. Contrary to the wishes and efforts of his father he sought to acquire a musical education and training as a violinist when still a child. His musical career began in Vienna through playing the violin and through his formation of a small private orchestra playing at social light musical entertainment venues such as local inns. He soon received critical acclaim for his dance compositions as well as for his evident abilities as both performer and violinist leader of his salon orchestra. Gaining wholesale public renowned and favour came more slowly and it was not until the late 1840s – and particularly after his father’s death in 1849 – that his reputation had grown to the extent he was widely acknowledged as one of the leading protagonists and composers of modern light music and dance compositions. During the 1850s he became increasingly known abroad and embarked upon extended tours with his orchestra. This firmly established him as the most important and well-known composer and musician in his particular sphere of lighter musical activity of during perhaps then whole nineteenth century. His visits to Prague were infrequent, although he was always with great enthusiasm and his entertainments enjoyed immense success.

Prager Morgenpost 16/10/1863 reported that ‘Court Ball Music Director Strauß will not give a concert in Prague, because no band can be mustered here that is able to play his compositions.’

As a composer Strauss wrote well over 500 dance works, several operettas and a ballet.

Events in which this person participated as a director of ensemble