Johann Strauss II: 10 most essential works
The issue in starting a definitive list of Johann Strauss II’s greatest works is that it feels impossible to stop. What is meant to be a Top 10 list quickly grows to a Top 15, even when focusing on waltzes alone. So, instead of trying to whittle down the Waltz King’s more than 500 works to our favourite 10, we have created musical categories as an awards show might do, to help highlight just how diverse and impressive Strauss Jr.’s repertoire truly is.
As we look ahead to celebrating the music of Strauss at Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert, here are our choices for the Viennese composer’s most essential works.
MOST ESSENTIAL
OVERALL:
The Blue Danube waltz
Vienna without the Blue Danube would be like a toasty Einspänner without the whipped cream. Not only does this beloved piece define the Viennese waltz, but it defines Strauss Jr., and the nation of Austria! After all, it is the country’s unofficial second national anthem.
MOST ESSENTIAL
WALTZ (that isn’t the Blue Danube):
Emperor Waltz (Kaiser-Walzer)
It’s hard to hear this waltz without spinning in Pavlovian circles. The Emperor Waltz is majestic and refined, while sweeping into thrilling waltz melodies that make one’s heart race with joy. Composed as a “toast of friendship” between Austria-Hungary and the German Empire, this piece is sure to bring a smile to any emperor’s face.
MOST ESSENTIAL
POLKA:
Tritsch-Tratsch Polka
We heard from someone who heard from someone else that the Tristch-Trasch is Strauss Jr’s finest polka! Composed to sound like gossipy chit-chat, this jaunty piece is sure to charm anyone onto the dance floor.
MOST ESSENTIAL
OVERTURE:
Overture to Die Fledermaus
Some of the most recognizable first few notes in classical music history belong to this beloved overture. Noted as a personal overall Strauss favourite amongst many of our Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert cast members, this overture is one of the finest works in the operetta repertoire.
MOST ESSENTIAL
MARCH
Persian March (Persischer Marsch)
While Johann Strauss Sr. is famous for the definitive Radetzky March, the younger Johann composed some outstanding marches of his own. Often overshadowed by his waltzes, polkas, and operetta contributions, marches such as the Persian March are filled with diverse musical splendour.
MOST ESSENTIAL
OPERETTA:
Die Fledermaus
Its overture is not an anomaly within this operetta, as this Strauss II work is a masterpiece. The most popular Viennese operetta in history, Die Fledermaus has every trademark of a classic farce, from mistaken identities to foolish philandering to downright batty behaviour.
MOST ESSENTIAL
COMEDIC PIECE:
Ein musikalischer Scherz (A Musical Joke)
This is the piece that doesn't end! A rapid, trilling theme that dances up and down the scales in a seemingly never-ending loop until its conductor abruptly ends the piece and, in many cases, simply leaves the stage. What makes this joke work is Strauss’s skill: despite its going in circles, it is still a delightful piece to listen to.
MOST ESSENTIAL
ROMANTIC PIECE:
Voices of Spring (Frühlingsstimmen)
This waltz sounds like spring is whispering sweet nothings in your ear. A lively, flirtatious waltz filled with youthful energy and the feeling that love is waiting to take your hand and ask for the next dance. It’s hard to imagine waltzing to this piece without feeling utterly smitten with your dance partner.
MOST ESSENTIAL
UNDERRATED PIECE:
Wo die Zitronen blühen (Where the Lemons Blossom)
You’re likely familiar with many of the works on this list, but Wo die Zitronen blühen! is not often noted amongst Strauss’s best waltzes. That said, it is an absolutely beautiful waltz that deserves more attention. Clean, peaceful, and romantic, this is a Strauss Jr. hidden gem.
MOST ESSENTIAL
COLLABORATION:
Pizzicato polka
It took two talented Strausses to compose this plucky piece! Johann worked with his brother Josef to write this unique polka, in which musicians pluck the strings on their instruments, making it a memorable showcase of instrument and artist agility.
Right now, our brains are racing with titles of Strauss Jr. classics we have not included in this list. In fact, it hurts a little to leave out favourites such as Tales from the Vienna Woods, Thunder and Lightning Polka, and Wiener Blut. This is why each season, we switch up our programme for Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert. While each concert is guaranteed the Blue Danube waltz, the other Strauss hits we select are always a pleasant surprise!
