Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Johann Strauss I

Role / Field:

Pioneering Austrian composer of the Romantic Period, famous for waltzes and light music.

Born:

1804-03-14

Died:

1849-09-25

Century / Era:

1804s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Johann Baptist Strauss I (; German: [ˈjoːhan bapˈtɪst ˈʃtʁaʊs]; 14 March 1804 – 25 September 1849), also known as Johann Strauss Sr., the Elder or the Father (German: Johann Strauß Vater), was an Austrian composer of the Romantic Period. He was famous for his light music, namely waltzes, polkas, and galops, which he popularized alongside Joseph Lanner, thereby setting the foundations for his sons—Johann II, Josef and Eduard—to carry on his musical dynasty. He is best known for his composition of the Radetzky March (named after Joseph Radetzky von Radetz). Johann Strauss was born in Leopoldstadt (now in Vienna).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Strauss's parents, Franz Borgias Strauss and Barbara Dollmann, were innkeepers (Zum heiligen Florian). He was born a Roman Catholic. Strauss had a Jewish grandfather, Johann Michael Strauss N, who converted to Catholicism. Strauss' mother died of "creeping fever" when he was seven and five years later his father drowned, possibly as a result of suicide, in the Danube river. Strauss' guardian, the tailor Anton Müller, placed him as an apprentice to the bookbinder, Johann Lichtscheidl; Strauss took lessons in the violin and viola in addition to fulfilling his...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1804 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1804
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• 1849 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1849
• September 25 (09-25) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on September 25

Frequently Asked Questions about Johann Strauss I