The world knows the great names of the Strauss dynasty: Johann Strauss (father), the founder of the Viennese waltz tradition, and Johann Strauss (son), the “Waltz King”. But who knows Johann Strauss III? This descendant of the famous family continues the musical legacy of the Strauss dynasty in his own way and deserves to step out of the shadow of his predecessors.
Who was Johann Strauss III?
Johann Strauss III was born in Vienna on February 16, 1866. He was the son of Eduard Strauss, the younger brother of the famous Johann Strauss II. As the grandson of Johann Strauss (father), he was born into a family that had shaped the music scene of the 19th century like no other. Nevertheless, Johann Strauss III had a more difficult starting position than his ancestors. When his father Eduard disbanded the Strauss Orchestra in 1901, Johann III not only had to preserve a musical legacy, but also find his own way.
Johann Strauss III was not a composer of the same world renown as his great-uncle or grandfather. Nevertheless, he devoted himself intensively to cultivating the works of his family and conducted numerous concerts celebrating the Strauss legacy. His own compositional output comprised waltzes, polkas and marches that drew on the family’s classical style without, however, outstripping its musical influence.
“Schlau-Schlau” op. 6: a charming work
Among the few compositions by Johann Strauss III is the polka “Schlau-Schlau” op. 6, a charming, lively piece that shows its humorous and playful side. The polka is characterized by a snappy melody and catchy rhythm that is immediately catchy. It may not achieve the musical sophistication of a “Danube Waltz”, but its authentic Viennese charm is sure to delight.
The work was included in the repertoire for wind orchestra by Marc Reift, a renowned music publisher and conductor, and is arranged for intermediate wind orchestra by Michal Worek. This arrangement shows that the works of Johann Strauss III can still be appreciated today and performed in contemporary contexts. Schlau-Schlau” is particularly popular with wind orchestras due to its lightness and joie de vivre. With this work, Strauss III succeeds in reinterpreting the typical Strauss sound in a fresh and modern way.
An underestimated family member
Even though Johann Strauss III never achieved the fame of his predecessors, he made an important contribution to the Strauss legacy. He preserved the family’s works, wrote humorous, entertaining pieces himself and kept the Viennese musical tradition alive. With compositions such as “Schlau-Schlau” op. 6, he proves that even the lesser-known Strauss works deserve a firm place in music history.
So when we think of Strauss, we should not only honor the Waltz King Johann II or his father Johann I, but also Johann Strauss III – the “clever-clever” Strauss.
