Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Johann Strauss (1804-1849): An Austrian composer, known as Johann Strauss I or "Strauss the Elder." He was a pioneering composer and conductor, famous for popularizing the Viennese waltz and other dance music.
   • Johann Strauss (1825-1899): An Austrian composer, known as Johann Strauss II or "the Waltz King." He was the son of Johann Strauss I and is celebrated for his prolific output of waltzes, polkas, and operettas, which epitomize the light classical music of 19th-century Vienna.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The concert featured works by both Johann Strauss the Elder and his son.
  • "The Blue Danube," composed by Johann Strauss II, is one of the most famous waltzes in the world.

Advanced Usage

• "Strauss dynasty": Refers to the family of composers, including Johann Strauss I, his sons Johann Strauss II, Josef Strauss, and Eduard Strauss, who dominated Viennese light music.
  • The Strauss dynasty was central to Viennese musical culture in the 19th century.

Variants and Related Words

• Strauss, Johann Strauss the Elder, Strauss Sr.: Refer specifically to Johann Strauss (1804-1849).
• Strauss, Johann Strauss the Younger, Strauss II, the Waltz King: Refer specifically to Johann Strauss (1825-1899).
• Straussian (adj): Pertaining to the style or music of the Strauss family.
  • The orchestra's performance had a genuine Straussian flair.

Synonyms

• Composer: A person who writes music.
• Waltz King: A nickname specifically for Johann Strauss II.

Related Phrases

• Viennese waltz: A genre of ballroom dance and music closely associated with the works of the Strauss family.
  • They danced a classic Viennese waltz to a tune by Strauss.

Related Idioms

• (To be) like a Strauss waltz: Used to describe something as elegantly flowing, joyful, or quintessentially Viennese.
  • The party's atmosphere was like a Strauss waltz—lively and graceful.

Noun

1. Austrian composer of waltzes (1804-1849)
2. Austrian composer and son of Strauss the Elder; composed many famous waltzes and became known as the `waltz king' (1825-1899)