Oh, Vienna #3

Vienna is revered worldwide for its musical associations especially classical music.

Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert all had close links with the city during the period from 1750 to 1825, although only Schubert was a native of the city.

Also much loved and respected is Johann Strauss who was a composer of light music, particularly dance music (waltzes, polkas and quadrilles) and operettas. In his lifetime, he was known as "The Waltz King", and was largely responsible for the popularity of the waltz in Vienna during the 19th century.

His statue in Stadtpark is a much visited landmark and is a most appropriate tribute to his talent and popularity. Each year at least one of the 500 compositions is played at the 'New Year Concert' which is broadcast from the Musikverein on the BBC annually.