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Johann Strauss Jr.Johann Strauss Jr.Johann Strauss Jr.Johann Strauss Jr.Johann Strauss Jr.Born: October 25, 1825Born: October 25, 1825Born: October 25, 1825Born: October 25, 1825Born: October 25, 1825Died: June 3, 1899Died: June 3, 1899Died: June 3, 1899Died: June 3, 1899Died: June 3, 1899

Johann Strauss, Jr. was born inVienna, Austria. He was theoldest of six children in a verymusical family. His father,composer and conductor JohannStrauss Sr., was known through-out Europe for his dance music,particularly the waltzes. In fact,he was the person responsible forestablishing the waltz tradition inVienna.

Johann St. was passionate abouthis music, but he was even morepassionate in his opinions as towhat his children should do withtheir lives. He wanted Johann Jr.to become a banker, not amusician.

However, Johann Jr. had otherideas about his career, and, likehis father, loved music. Hismother encouraged this interestand secretly arranged for heryoung son to study the violinwhile his father was away atconcerts. Johann Jr. made his firstattempt at writing a waltz whenhe was six years old.

In 1844, at age 19, Johann Jr.began conducting. For a time, heand his father had competing

Tritsch Tratsch Polka

orchestras. After Johann Sr. died in 1849,the two groups were combined under theson’s leadership.

Johann Jr. wrote in all of the popularstyles of his day, but he was most famousfor his dance music—waltzes, polkas andquadrilles. Just like his father, he traveledeverywhere with his orchestra. People allover the world loved to dance and listento his music. The demand for appear-ances by the Strauss Orchestra was sohigh that Johann Jr. convinced hisbrothers Josef and Eduard to join thefamily business. The Strauss brotherscame to control all the music performedfor balls, concerts and parties in Vienna.

Johann Strauss Jr. wrote his famousTritsch Tratsch Polka during a trip toRussia in 1858. However, its title camefrom Strauss’ hometown. That same year,a new magazine called Tritsch Tratsch

was published in Vienna. It contained thework of several of the composer’s friendsand was described as a “humorous,satirical weekly publication.” By usingthe same name for his polka, Strauss wastelling his audience that it was a fun andamusing dance.

As you listen to this polka, imagineyourself dancing. Are you going fast orslow? Can you see yourself twirlingaround? Can you hear the laughter of the

other dancers in the music?

“Trisch Tratsch”

Johann Strauss Jr. had a great sense of humor. He used the title “Tritsch Tratch” to let the

audience know that this music was to be a fun and enjoyable musical conversation. “Trisch

Tratsch” often traslates to “Chit Chat.” Listen to the music, then write your own “Trisch

Tratsch” about the music using the two characters.

Kayla: ____________________________________________________________

Jon: ______________________________________________________________

Kayla: ____________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Together they decided the music sounded like ______________________________

__________________________________________________________________

WGUC sincerely thanksThe Charles H. Dater FoundationThe Charles H. Dater FoundationThe Charles H. Dater FoundationThe Charles H. Dater FoundationThe Charles H. Dater Foundation

for its sustaining support since theinception of

Classics for Kids®.

Name the FamilyAll instruments belong in a “family.” The four families of the orchestra are the string,

brass, woodwind, and percussion. Please name the instruments below and connect

them to the correct family name.

String

Brass

Woodwind

Percussion

All in the FamilyDo you play the same instrument that your Mom or Dad plays? Musical talent often runs

in families. That’s how it was for Johann Strauss and his three sons - Johann Jr., Josef,

and Eduard. Here are some other famous musical families. Look them up at

www.classicsforkids.com.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

George Gershwin (1898-1937)

Franz Josef Haydn (1736-1809)

Charles Ives (1874-1954)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

Robert Schumann (1810-1856)

Did you know?

A polka is a lively dance

in 2/4 time that originated in

Bohemia in the 19th century.