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Johann Strauss II expert John Suchet unlocks the complex makeup of the Waltz King in his 200th anniversary year.

Johann Strauss' most famous works are perhaps The Blue Danube Waltz, The Kaiser Waltz, Wein, Weib und Gesang, Die Fledermaus, Tales from Vienna Woods. Thus he spent his life writing music to make people smile and dance. But this man who wrote over 140 shiny, glittering, happy Waltzes, and who was largely responsible for an unprecedented dance craze that swept through Europe, paradoxically was in fact a lifelong hypochondriac whose life was plagued by phobias, pessimism, melancholia, an intensely morbid fear of death, and who always composed at night.

Why and how could a man who was plagued by such gloom and despair create such enduring lightness and joy?

With the help of Johann Strauss II experts, relatives, psychiatrists and specialists in mental health issues, John Suchet pieces together the story of his life, character and influence. He talks with Professor Dr Eduard Strauss, Professor Norbert Rubey, Professor Sally Marlow, Dr John Crichton, Professor Alexandra Kolb.

John explores the ins and outs of the Waltz King's colourful life set against the backdrop of the demise of the 600-year-old Habsburg Empire. As Strauss was providing the Viennese with a dazzling soundtrack of gaiety and optimism, the Empire was paradoxically crumbling around them as they headed for the catastrophe of the First World War. Were they too busy drinking champagne and waltzing to notice? Or was their preoccupation with dancing a welcome distraction from impending disaster?

Produced by Rosie Boulton
A Must Try Softer Production