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Johann Strauss Sr. was an Austrian composer who became known as the 'Father of the Waltz'. He was also a violinist and the leader of a popular orchestra that played light entertaining music. Several of the Strauss sons also became famous for composing and conducting waltzes, notably Johann Strauss, Jr.

Strauss compositions include all the favourite types of dance music in Austria in the early 1800's. He composed about 250 works, including more than 150 waltzes. Strauss's waltzes embody the popular, melodic qualities of the folk music. As his waltz style matured, he inserted rhythic surprises to add interest and variety to these graceful, lilting pieces for string orchestra. His most famous composition is the 'Radetzky March' (1948).

Strauss was born in Vienna. After studying violin and harmony for a time, he joined the popular orchestra at the age of 15. He later organized his own orchestra to play in Viennese taverns and inns and became well-known for his watzes. As his reputation grew, his orchestra increased in size and played in many Austrian cities and towns. Later, the Strauss Orchestra performed throught Europe, enjoyed great success wherever it played. Strauss died of Scarlet fever.

Known as 'Waltz King', Strauss Jr. was a remarkable son of Sr. Strauss. He composed nearly 400 waltzes that repsent the peak of their style. He also composed other popular orchestral danc works and 16 operettas. In Addition, he was a violinist and the leader of a successful orchestra that played light mucis. His music include all the popular dance types of the mid 1800s, notably waltz, polka and quadrille. He also wrote many marches. The long, lyrical melodies of Strauss waltzes dominate the music, while unusual rhythmic patterns disguise or cover the 3/4 waltz time. His most popular operettas include Die Fledermaus (The Bat, 1874) and Die Zigeunerbaron (The Gypsy Baron, 1885. Strauss Jr. was born in Vienna, the eldest son of Strauss Sr. The father wanter his three sons, Josef, Johann and Eduard to enter business when they were old enough. However, his wife wanted the sons to have some musical training. With her encouragement, Johann received Violin lessons secretly from a member of his father's orchestra. When 19, Jr. Strauss formed his own band and when Sr. Strauss died, he merged both the orchestras and the group performed throughout Austria, Germany, Poland and Russia.

From 1863-71, Strauss served as musical director of the court balls in Vienna. During the period, he wrote such famous waltzes as 'On the beautiful, Blue danube' wine, woman and song, etc. He composed operettas and many other waltzes including 'Vienna Blood and 'The Emperor's waltz. Among Strauss's popular polkas are 'Thundering and lightening'and 'Pizzicato Polka' which he composed with his brother Josef.