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Johann Strauss II – Famous Works

 

Johann Strauss II portrait with reference to The Blue Danube waltz
Commemorative portrait of Johann Strauss II associated with his most famous waltz, The Blue Danube.

Johann Strauss II (1825–1899), widely known as the “King of the Waltz,” was one of the most iconic figures of Viennese music in the nineteenth century. His work is closely associated with the development of light orchestral music, particularly the waltz and the polka, while he also played a crucial role in establishing operetta as a major genre.

His music is characterized by rhythmic vitality, melodic charm, and brilliant orchestration, qualities that have ensured its lasting popularity. The following is a representative selection of his most significant works.

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Operettas

  • Der Karneval in Rom
  • Die Fledermaus
  • Der Zigeunerbaron
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Waltzes

  • Morgenblätter, Op. 279
  • Vergnügungszug (Pleasure Train), Op. 281
  • An der schönen blauen Donau (The Blue Danube), Op. 314
  • Künstlerleben, Op. 316
  • Geschichten aus dem Wienerwald (Tales from the Vienna Woods), Op. 325
  • Wein, Weib und Gesang, Op. 333
  • Wiener Blut, Op. 354
  • Wo die Zitronen blüh’n, Op. 364
  • Rosen aus dem Süden, Op. 388
  • Frühlingsstimmen (Voices of Spring), Op. 410
  • Kaiser-Walzer (Emperor Walz), Op. 437
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Polkas

  • Explosionen, Op. 43
  • Bürger-Ball-Polka, Op. 145
  • Morgenblätter-Polka, Op. 165
  • Pizzicato-Polka (with Josef Strauss)
  • Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka, Op. 214
  • Im Krapfenwald’l, Op. 431
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Marches

  • Ägyptischer Marsch
  • Persischer Marsch
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Ballet

  • Aschenbrödel (Cinderella, unfinished)
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Other Works

  • Perpetuum mobile, Op. 257
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