Johann (YO-hann) Strauss, Jr. was called the "Waltz King." He couldn't dance a waltz, but he certainly could compose one. The waltz was the popular dance of the nineteenth century in Europe, and the Strusses were the favorite composers of the genre. Johann's father was a musician and composer, as were two of his brothers. However, Johann Jr. is the most famous. His talent was recognized early, and his first composition was published when he was only six! The Blue Danube is the best-known Stauss waltz, but many of the others are equally delightful. A recording of his waltzes is sure to please. Unlike a symphony, it does not require your full attention and is great for background music.  

Strauss also wrote operettas, the most popular being Die Fledermaus (the bat, known in German as the flying mouse). Unlike operas where all dialogue is sung, an operetta has some spoken dialogue in addition to the solos and chorus.

Die Fledermaus is a romantic comedy in three acts. The story tells about two "friends" who went to a masquerade party. One (Dr. Falke) was dressed in a bat costume. He drank entirely too much at the party and his friend, Eisenstein, let him find his own way home through the streets of the town in his ridiculous costume. When Dr. Falke sobered up, he was not amused that Eisenstein had deserted him.

Die Fledermaus  is the story of how Dr. Falke gets even with Eisenstein for leaving him in his bat costume in the streets alone. It is lighthearted and humorous with delightful music by Strauss.

Johann, Jr. was like a pop star of today. Women proposed to him or tried to get a lock of his hair. Strauss was loved all over Europe, but especially in his own Austria. When his health began to fail, people waited anxiously for news about him. On June 3, 1899, a large crowd had gathered at an outdoor concert. In the middle of the performance, a messenger rushed onto the stage and whispered in the conductor's ear. The conductor stopped the orchestra, and they began to play the Blue Danube Waltz.

The audience knew immediately that Johann had died. They rose to their feet and bowed their heads. Women cried. His obituary referred to him as "the last symbol of  cheerful, pleasant times."