15-Minute Music Lesson Freebie of Johann Strauss Jr.
I’m happy to share another music lesson freebie with you today. Let’s learn about a famous composer from the Romantic Era of the 1800s with this 15-Minute Music Lesson Freebie of Johann Strauss Jr.
The Waltz
At the end of the 18th century, a new dance was sweeping through Europe called the waltz. It’s in 3/4 time and has the couple whirling around the ballroom. Eventually, the dance became an accepted musical form, and orchestras played it even when there were no dancers.
Johann Strauss
Johann Strauss and his son Johann Strauss Jr. were two of the most famous waltz composers. The younger Johann Strauss (1825-1899) became known as the “Waltz King.” He was a bandleader and became a more famous composer than his father.
Strauss, the father, did not want his son to enter the music profession, so at first the son was a bank clerk. But in secret, he studied violin and music theory. At age 19 he formed his own orchestra.
Strauss Waltzes
Here are some of Johann Strauss Jr.’s most famous waltzes: “The Blue Danube,” “Emperor Waltz,” and “Weiner Blut.”
They have mixed in some modern dance steps and a lot of ballet, but this is a very fun version of the Blue Danube waltz to watch:
Next, watch the dancing to “Emperor Waltz”:
“Wiener Blut” (“Vienna Blood”) Waltz:
Johann Strauss also wrote operas and vocal music.
“Frühlingsstimmen” (“Voices of Spring,” 1882) is an orchestral waltz, with optional solo soprano voice:
“Oh, give me the free ‘n’ easy waltz that is Viennesey. And go tell the band if they want a hand, the waltz must be Strauss’s!” –Ira Gershwin
Download a free 3-page Printable Pack to use with this 15-Minute Music Lesson:
Includes:
Composer Sheet, Listen and Write (Tempo, Mood, Like it?, and Instruments/Voices), and Listen and Draw
Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com Online Music Courses
If you enjoyed this free lesson, you’ll love the full music appreciation courses available at Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool.com. The lessons about Johann Strauss and Johann Strauss Jr. are found in Music Appreciation of the Romantic Era.
