Carnegie Hall

Johann Strauss II (1825–1899) was born in Vienna, where his father was a famous musician. Although his father urged him not to pursue music (he wanted him to become a banker), Strauss rebelled against the idea and studied violin in secret. At the age of 19, Strauss started his own orchestra and conducted his first public concert. He went on to become a productive composer and tour internationally with his orchestra. Known as the “Waltz King,” he wrote more than 500 waltzes, polkas, quadrilles, and other types of dance music, as well as many operettas.