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Donald Macleod explores the many romantic intrigues in the life of Johann Strauss II. In the composer’s 200th anniversary year, Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Johann Strauss II, who became so popular for his operettas and Viennese waltzes that he would be dubbed “The Waltz King”. In his time his huge popularity was akin to a pop star or Hollywood film icon today, and his music filled the ballrooms of Europe and America. Over the course of the week, we’ll see how he made his name, and overcame setbacks to become one of the most famous figures in all of Europe. In Thursday's programme, Donald explores the many romantic intrigues in Strauss’ life. He returns from illness and swiftly becomes a stellar figure in the musical landscape of Russia, while continuing his domination of the Viennese musical scene. The Austrian press pit him in a Waltz battle against Jacques Offenbach and, though he continues to struggle with an exhausting schedule, he does find time to poke musical fun at the Viennese city improvement works of the period. He also conquers a new genre – Operetta. Champagne Polka, Op 211 The Halle Orchestra Bramwell Tovey, conductor Wiener Frauen, Op 423 Vienna Johann Strauss Orchester Willi Boskovsky, conductor Wine, Women and Song, Op 333 The Halle Orchestra Brydon Thomson, conductor Morgenblatter, Op 279 Berlin Philharmonic Herbert von Karajan, conductor Die Fledermaus Overture Vienna Philharmonic Andre Previn, conductor Neu Wien, Op 342 Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra Alfred Walter, conductor Produced by Sam Phillips for ��ѿ��ý Audio Wales & West