First day of the commemorative stamp for the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss

The Waltz King

Johann Strauss (the Son) remains one of Austria’s most famous composers to this day. To mark the 200th anniversary of his birth, Austrian Post is honouring him with a commemorative stamp.

He was born in 1825 in the suburbs of Vienna as the eldest son of the composer and conductor Johann Strauss (the Father). His brothers, Josef and Eduard, also became successful musicians. Johann Junior played the piano and violin, giving his first concert at the age of 19. With his orchestra, he toured the monarchy, constantly competing with his father. After his father’s death in 1849, he merged his father’s orchestra with his own, embarking on tours that took him as far as Russia and North America. In 1863, he was appointed Imperial and Royal Court Ball Music Director. Strauss was married three times but had no children. In order to marry again after a divorce, he became a citizen of the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1887. He passed away in Vienna in 1899 from pneumonia.

Johann Strauss – also spelled Strauß – remains the “Waltz King,” an honorary title previously held by his father. He composed 16 stage works, including an opera. He is best known for his operettas "Die Fledermaus" and "The Gypsy Baron", as well as for his Viennese waltzes and polkas. The "Blue Danube" waltz, officially titled "By the Beautiful Blue Danube" and composed in 1867, is regarded as Austria’s unofficial anthem and is a highlight of the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert each year. The stamp features the statue of Strauss in Vienna, set against the cover page of the piano arrangement of this piece.

When? 
18 January 2025, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m, presentation at 3:30 p.m.

Where? 
Theater an der Wien, foyer on the first floor, Linke Wienzeile 6,1060 Vienna

Picture of presentation: © Austrian Post