Andreas Geiger after Johann Christian Schoeller: ‘Der große Galopp von Joh. Strauß’, 1839, coloured copperplate engraving

Johann Strauss I started his musical career performing together with Joseph Lanner. In 1825/27 he founded his own band, playing at high-society balls. In 1835 he was appointed to conduct the music at court balls, and in 1846 he was given the post of Director of Music for the Imperial-Royal Court Balls – a title created especially for him. He conducted every evening in several dance halls, rushing from one performance to the next, and composed during the day. He also toured with his orchestra. He died in 1849 of scarlet fever at the age of 45.