New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-04

| Inc TWO boys unknown to their father became
clever panists; but though he affected TO tears
on hearing their brilliant performance Of his own
| compositions he obstinately refused to allow them
| 10 devote themselves to music as a profession.
Johann was sent to the technical school to COM
pete his education but dismissed from
1t for singing aloud during lectures His fathers
intention to enter him as bookkeeper at n bank
was frustrated by the wife, who out Of her scanty
means obtained for the boy the best musical edu-
| cation In her power. among his masters being the
choir director OF the University Church Joseph
Drechsler, who conscentiously developed the boys
talent. hoping to make of him a classical composer
At the age OF nineteen, however Johann Strauss
Who like his father preferred gay music to grave
made his debut with small orchestral band at
! the famous restaurant gardens Of Dommayer at
Hietzng. near Vienna, and the Viennese crowded
eagerly 10 hear the concert OF the young Strauss
who had entered into rivalry with his distinguished
father. The concert was an immense success, and
when, after his compositions stormily and
repeatedly encored. he gave them his fathers we'll
known waltz, "Lorele Rhein Klange" he rose
more than In public favor His father was
forcbly brought TO the gardens. and an apparent
reconciliation took place.
His first operetta. Indigo" appeared In 1871. AMI
was followed in 1873 by Carnival in Rome" which
was enthusiastically received and "Fledermaus
the last-named being by far the most popular OF
all. and undoubtedly not only his own masterpiece.
but one OF the most delightful of all productions
this style 1t has had enormous and undminished
popularity in Germany and Austria and is well
known 10 lovers o. comic opera the world over
These followed by THE Queens Lace Hand
kerchef," "Bllndekuh," THE Merry War" The
Gypsy Baron" In which he struck a somewhat
more serious note than in some OF his other oper
ettas; "Prinz Methusalem." "Cagllostro." "A
Night In Venice" "Smplicius" "Jabuka," "Prn-
cess Nanette" and ''Wadmester." His Ritter
Pazman" was an attempt at grand opera. but
less successful His last work is ballet called
Cinderella" written on a llbretto for which he
offered prize last winter.
II is needless to mention the hundreds Of waltzes
polkas and other dance tunes composed by Strauss
which are universally known and beloved for their
melodic freshness. the insnuating charm of their
mentation. well for their irresistible appeal 10
the feet Of the dancer on the ballroom floor Most s
operettas, in which dance rhythms predominant,
and In which the flow of melody is ceaseless and
Strauss was made conductor for the balls Of tho
this poE 12 number IN of Years dSns Which
many OF hts most popular dances were composed
cess as composer for the stage lie married in
1862 a popular singer, Henriette Treffz, who died
SINGER r' Angelica bittrIch lie leaves a son. who
only few weeks ago brought out his first operetta
tits country credited with being success.
aaioPs Hns st. "5e
London and the cities Of Italy, He came an. 70 , 1ne
United states In lSby TO take part III
lee In Boston. Like his father, he conducted with
violin in hand, swayr.g to the rhythm OF the music
ard sometimes playing with the orchestra, IN the
manner illustrated few years ago In THIS country
at the visit Of his younger brother Eduard. johann
Strauss had two younger brothers, JosePh, ano
Eduard both musicians and composers or dance
music hui neither his equal In talent. Eduard is
still living and active as conductor IN vienna
Richard Wagner was an ardent admirer OF the
walt King - and wrote Of him In 1883 "A single
Strauss waltz surpasses as much IN grace dencaSy
and real musical conception most Of the Ia0oriousiy
cnmnosed foreign productions the Vienna st.
Stenhan seepe rears itself above the hollow pillars
81 2 paris boulevard" Strauss on his side. was
the first musician In Vienna 10 recognize the pro-
found ability OF Wagner, and to bring his ram
hAuser before the public, and also In his concerts
he was the first to Introduce TO the Nlennese the
finest parts of "I.ohengrin" Great friendship eX-
listed between Strauss and Brahms. on an auto
graph fan belonging to Nine. Strauss. beneath one
or Two bars OF the "Sch6nc Blaue Donau, are the
words Unfortunately not by me-Johannes
Brahms" ... 81, ,-..-. - .
conductor in October, 1894 On this occasion every
theatre and opera house In Vienna had a strauss
evening, when either one Of his operettas or Sc
lections from his dance music were performed
This Strauss week was concluded Dy q banquet;
congratulations, presentation OF addresses ana
floral and other tributes. His admirers In this city
sent a silver wreath OF fifty leaves, on each
Of which was engraved the name OF one OF the
Composers works on the ribbons OF the wreath
were the giles OF Austria and the stars and stripes
ON a lyre al It's top n gold medallion contain
ing a nortrat OF the composer