The New International Encyclopædia/Strauss, Johann, the Elder

STRAUSS, Johann, the Elder (1804-49). An Austrian composer of dance music, born in Vienna. He received an imperfect musical education. In 1819 he was received into Pamer's orchestra, and four years later joined the celebrated Lanner Quartet as viola-player. He subsequently became assistant conductor of Lanner's orchestra, but in 1824 started an independent organization, with which he played at various resorts, and through which he gave to the world the waltzes which made him famous. In 1845 he was appointed conductor of the Court balls at Vienna. Conspicuous among the 152 waltzes which he published were the “Lorelei,” “Gabrielen,” “Taglioni,” “Victoria,” “Kettenbrücken,” “Bajaderen,” and the “Donau-Lieder.” Both as conductor and as composer he succeeded in raising the dance form to an artistic plane, before unknown.