The name "Johann Strauß" is inseparably linked with the Viennese Waltz, indeed it is the very personification of the Waltz. The eldest son of Johann Strauß, Sr. was born in St. Ulrich, near Vienna, Austria  in his ancestrial home on October 25, 1825. As offspring of a musically talented father, the dynamic young violinist and musician established himself in 1844 as a conductor and composer against his father's will, but with the support of his mother, thereby becoming his father's rival. After the death of his father, Johann Strauß stepped into the role of successor and musical heir. He composed and produced over 500 music works, most of which were waltzes and played himself into the hearts of the Viennese with energy and tireless dedication. For every special occasion, whether a ball or other festivities staged by prestigious companies, or an event of topical interest, Strauß created a special music piece which delighted the ear and was hummed by an adoring public. But Strauß' music did not bewitch the Viennese alone. He undertook concert tours to heighten the fame of his ensemble by means of the press reports of his success that would reach the Austrian capital from abroad.During several summers, Strauß made guest appearances in Pavlovsk near St. Petersburg, Russia. He also went on a major concert tour through the United States. Strauß cultivated friendships with the "serious" musicians of his day, some of whom held him in high regard. The repertoire of the Strauß orchestra included not only light music, but also works by Wagner and other opera composers. Strauß, who frequently turned over the conductor's baton to his brothers Josef and Eduard, composed the operettas 'Die Fledermaus', 'Eine Nacht in Venedig' and 'Der Zigeunerbaron' all of which achieved great popularity.
Johann Strauß, II. died on June 3, 1899 from pneumonia and is buried at the Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetary) in his one and only beloved .... Vienna. His waltzes continue to resound through ballrooms all around the world to this very day, and with the Blue Danube Waltz, he created what is Austria's unofficial "National Anthem".
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