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The Last Waltz: The Strauss Dynasty and Vienna
The tale of two Waltz Kings: how the Strauss family took Europe by storm during the nineteenth century
The Strauss family name is forever intertwined with Vienna – as is their music. Two generations of this remarkable family transformed and popularised the waltz, delighting all of Viennese society with their prolific compositions. But behind the melody lay a darker discord, as the Strausses tore themselves apart while Vienna itself struggled to secure its place in a rapidly changing world.
In The Last Waltz John Suchet skilfully portrays this gripping story, capturing the family dramas, the tensions, triumphs and disasters, all set against the turbulent backdrop of Austria in the nineteenth century, from revolution to regicide.
Discover the truth behind Vienna’s extraordinary musical dynasty.
The Strauss family name is forever intertwined with Vienna – as is their music. Two generations of this remarkable family transformed and popularised the waltz, delighting all of Viennese society with their prolific compositions. But behind the melody lay a darker discord, as the Strausses tore themselves apart while Vienna itself struggled to secure its place in a rapidly changing world.
In The Last Waltz John Suchet skilfully portrays this gripping story, capturing the family dramas, the tensions, triumphs and disasters, all set against the turbulent backdrop of Austria in the nineteenth century, from revolution to regicide.
Discover the truth behind Vienna’s extraordinary musical dynasty.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2015
17 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
John Suchet
29 books27 followersJohn Suchet presents Classic FM's flagship morning programme. His informative style of presentation, coupled with a deep knowledge of classical music, has won a wide spectrum of new listeners to the station. Before turning to classical music, John was one of the UK's best known television newscasters, regularly presenting ITN's flagship News at Ten, as well as all other bulletins, over a period of nearly 20 years. John has been honoured for both roles. He is the author of several bestselling composer biographies, including Beethoven: The Man Revealed.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 31, 2015
Ever since watching the Sound of Music as a youngster, I've loved the sound of the waltz and the beauty of Austria. There's no greater composer of the waltz than The Waltz King himself, Johann Strauss. On picking up this book, I was immediately enchanted with the gaiety and exuberance of the Viennese way of life. By interspersing Strauss history with Austrian history it kept my interest throughout, as one would expect from the wonderful John Suchet.
From the introduction of coffee to Vienna following the attempted Turkish siege to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand that triggered World War I, this is a book that will fascinate anyone with a love of history. The Strauss family history is no less turbulent. I had absolutely no idea that composers such as Strauss went on tour. I was amazed to read that Johann Strauss senior toured Europe and the UK, even playing for Queen Victoria before she was crowned.
It is clear that John Suchet has a love of Strauss. The way some of the pieces are described meant that I could almost hear them in my head whilst I was reading. Some people new to classical music might think that they don't know any of the compositions of Strauss but as soon as you hear them they become instantly recognisable. Strauss does indeed make you happy and you can't help but hum or whistle along, tap your feet and feel the smile light up your face when you listen to Strauss.
Beautifully written with fascinating photographs throughout, this is a must read for anyone with a love of classical music or an interest in the Habsburg empire.
I received this book from the publisher, Elliott & Thompson, in exchange for an honest review.
From the introduction of coffee to Vienna following the attempted Turkish siege to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand that triggered World War I, this is a book that will fascinate anyone with a love of history. The Strauss family history is no less turbulent. I had absolutely no idea that composers such as Strauss went on tour. I was amazed to read that Johann Strauss senior toured Europe and the UK, even playing for Queen Victoria before she was crowned.
It is clear that John Suchet has a love of Strauss. The way some of the pieces are described meant that I could almost hear them in my head whilst I was reading. Some people new to classical music might think that they don't know any of the compositions of Strauss but as soon as you hear them they become instantly recognisable. Strauss does indeed make you happy and you can't help but hum or whistle along, tap your feet and feel the smile light up your face when you listen to Strauss.
Beautifully written with fascinating photographs throughout, this is a must read for anyone with a love of classical music or an interest in the Habsburg empire.
I received this book from the publisher, Elliott & Thompson, in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2023
This book was SO GOOD! When it arrived, I was not inspired - it looks like a textbook. But the adage “you can’t judge a book by it’s cover” is really true here! This book covers three generations of the Strauss family and also contextualizes their story with the culture and history of Vienna.
The Strauss family had conflict, drama, turmoil while experiencing such musical success! The way that the author John Suchet weaves the story while contextualizing it within the larger events is amazing. I highly recommend this book!
The Strauss family had conflict, drama, turmoil while experiencing such musical success! The way that the author John Suchet weaves the story while contextualizing it within the larger events is amazing. I highly recommend this book!
June 29, 2023
Absolutely wonderful book with so many details of the life of Johann Strauss, Jr. and his entire family. The saga begins with his father, Johann Strauss, Sr. It begins with his birth, his marriage, and the consequence of the children that came when Johann, Sr. married a wonderful woman named Anna. Anna was a pillar of strength in that family. Because Papa Strauss wasn't....They had three boys and two girls, and one child that died in infancy. What a wonderful story this is...you can't make up events like these....to think it's all true! A father who is so gifted, then his eldest son who is even more gifted, then his two brothers who are also extremely talented.... The music that came from his family is amazing and beautiful and memorable and so enjoyable. Lots of drama in the family...some good, some very sad...some that was mouth dropping. Also, what I liked about the book was how it covered so much of the atmosphere and events surrounding Vienna and Austria...a little bit on the politics, the monarchy...it was all fascinating. The book is so well written, I just flew through it enjoying each chapter. It was so enjoyable, and there was so much to take in, as soon as I was done, I read the whole thing again. Originally I borrowed it from a library, but then bought my own copy...it's that good...also it has wonderful photographs of the family and of Vienna. Just a real treasure.....and it's fun to read with Strauss Waltzes playing in the background!
July 3, 2020
This is a beautiful book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Suchet’s research into the lives of the Strauss family was extensive as is his knowledge of their music. He presents colorful portraits of the musical dynasty as well as the character of 19th century Vienna. The book is filled with beautiful illustrations.
My interest in the book was personal. I want to know more about my father’s family. Dad was born in Budapest and lived there into his late twenties but he had a fondness for Vienna. His father and two uncles spent time there in their youth which coincided with the time period at the end of the book. The book provided a glimpse of life in this lovely city leading up to and during that time.
On New Year’s Day my parents would watch the Vienna concert that always included the Blue Danube, one of Dad’s favorite songs.
John Suchet is the brother of David Suchet, one of my favorite actors, whose performances I enjoyed in his well known role as the detective Hercule Poirot. John was a journalist who now hosts a classic music program on the BBC.
My interest in the book was personal. I want to know more about my father’s family. Dad was born in Budapest and lived there into his late twenties but he had a fondness for Vienna. His father and two uncles spent time there in their youth which coincided with the time period at the end of the book. The book provided a glimpse of life in this lovely city leading up to and during that time.
On New Year’s Day my parents would watch the Vienna concert that always included the Blue Danube, one of Dad’s favorite songs.
John Suchet is the brother of David Suchet, one of my favorite actors, whose performances I enjoyed in his well known role as the detective Hercule Poirot. John was a journalist who now hosts a classic music program on the BBC.
September 28, 2017
Waltzing towards Destruction
John Disney has written an admirable account of an incredible dynasty. He has interwoven it with the city itself and the series of terrible events which were the prelude to go the First World War. The book makes riveting reading.
John Disney has written an admirable account of an incredible dynasty. He has interwoven it with the city itself and the series of terrible events which were the prelude to go the First World War. The book makes riveting reading.
February 18, 2019
Fascinating biography of a great musician
I approached this book with only limited knowledge of Strauss. I knew that there were a lot of them, but was unclear on who composed what. Like the author, I find the history of Austria/Hungary and Vienna particularly very interesting. The book itself is exceptionally well researched and written and I found the style very open and accessible. I recommend it as a thoroughly good read.
I approached this book with only limited knowledge of Strauss. I knew that there were a lot of them, but was unclear on who composed what. Like the author, I find the history of Austria/Hungary and Vienna particularly very interesting. The book itself is exceptionally well researched and written and I found the style very open and accessible. I recommend it as a thoroughly good read.
August 22, 2017
This is an utterly fascinating book, right from page one. Suchet writes with eloquence, detail and just the right mix of humour and historical fact. Extensive research has obviously been carried out as this is an intelligent book, taking the reader far deeper in to the Strauss family than we have ever been taken before. Gripping, informative and completely absorbing.
July 1, 2017
A very complete and easy to read history of the Strauss family and the times times in which they lived.
I felt as if I actually knew the characters. Recommendable for music lovers and anyone interested in the history of the period.
I felt as if I actually knew the characters. Recommendable for music lovers and anyone interested in the history of the period.
August 2, 2025
Listening to the Strauss family music while reading this was a really enjoyable experience, I was looking for this book and found it and it hasn’t let me down, Vienna has a rich history and it made me realize how classical music is important loveeeed this read
February 10, 2023
É um livro espetacular.
Muitissimo bem inscrito, desenvolve-se entrelaçando magistralmente a história da família Strauss e de Viena, revelando muitos factos desconhecidos e fazendo-nos compreender melhor todos estes protagonistas.
O autor prende-nos com o seu relato, preparabdo-nos para o que se segue, num bailado que talvez seja também uma valsa.
Procurei o livro para saber mais dos Strauss.
E, talvez, para compreender um pouco melhor Viena, uma cidade que sempre quis muito (talvez demais) conhecer e que, quando me foi possível, me desiludiu (ainda que eu esteja consciente de que não foi a cidade em si mesma...)
O livro cumpriu tanto que sei que tenho que voltar a Viena.
E ler outros livros do autor sobre outros compositores da minha preferência, nomeadamente, Tchaikovski, Verdi e Beethoven.
Muitissimo bem inscrito, desenvolve-se entrelaçando magistralmente a história da família Strauss e de Viena, revelando muitos factos desconhecidos e fazendo-nos compreender melhor todos estes protagonistas.
O autor prende-nos com o seu relato, preparabdo-nos para o que se segue, num bailado que talvez seja também uma valsa.
Procurei o livro para saber mais dos Strauss.
E, talvez, para compreender um pouco melhor Viena, uma cidade que sempre quis muito (talvez demais) conhecer e que, quando me foi possível, me desiludiu (ainda que eu esteja consciente de que não foi a cidade em si mesma...)
O livro cumpriu tanto que sei que tenho que voltar a Viena.
E ler outros livros do autor sobre outros compositores da minha preferência, nomeadamente, Tchaikovski, Verdi e Beethoven.
July 25, 2021
I love classical music, I love a waltz (I don't know how to), there's something about a waltz that just makes me sway.
I was asked by a friend once who my favourite composer was, my answer was Strauss - to which he replied "which one?" . I couldn't answer that question. But I can now Johann Strauss the younger. By The Beautiful Blue Danube is just beautiful. I've been lucky enough to hear it played in Vienna. His music makes me smile.
This book was a touch repetitive in places, the pictures didn't always go with the text (I read the kindle version). But it tied the Strausses to Vienna and the historical events that occurred during and after their lifetimes.
Good book.
I was asked by a friend once who my favourite composer was, my answer was Strauss - to which he replied "which one?" . I couldn't answer that question. But I can now Johann Strauss the younger. By The Beautiful Blue Danube is just beautiful. I've been lucky enough to hear it played in Vienna. His music makes me smile.
This book was a touch repetitive in places, the pictures didn't always go with the text (I read the kindle version). But it tied the Strausses to Vienna and the historical events that occurred during and after their lifetimes.
Good book.
January 24, 2023
A fascinating look at a family and city that impacted culture, not only in their own country, but globally too.
The narrative is well crafted; a balance between the Strauss family, the aristocracy in the 19th century, the music, and how this intertwined with history.
The depth of information on the people is very good, and you get a great picture of their lives and actions. This is balanced by the way certain pieces achieved their names and how they fit in the context of the composers' lives.
I highly recommend this book to those interested in music and 19th century Vienna.
The narrative is well crafted; a balance between the Strauss family, the aristocracy in the 19th century, the music, and how this intertwined with history.
The depth of information on the people is very good, and you get a great picture of their lives and actions. This is balanced by the way certain pieces achieved their names and how they fit in the context of the composers' lives.
I highly recommend this book to those interested in music and 19th century Vienna.
September 28, 2020
Absolutely brilliant. John Suchet has written a page-turner of a book that documents the illustrious story of the Strauss dynasty. But at the same time, he wonderfully weaves this in with the decline of the House of Hapsburg & Austro-Hungarian empire.
I savoured every page of this book. Marvellous! Utterly marvellous!
I savoured every page of this book. Marvellous! Utterly marvellous!
March 4, 2023
The Last Waltz was an incredibly entertaining and comprehensive biography of the Strauss family. This book was surprisingly charming, dramatic and quite witty at times. The author's writing shines with personality and enthusiasm, and it perfectly intertwines the societal intrigue of Vienna at the time with the lives of the Strauss family.
January 9, 2024
I enjoyed this! I thought it was a very fun, easy read about quite an interesting family. I gave 4 stars because while I appreciate the authors passion, it feels excessive at certain points while he imbues the book with such vivid, emotional imagery & projects his perceptions onto the narrative, it feels somewhat silly
November 20, 2019
A sublime biography of a time, a place, and a musical dynasty
June 16, 2020
A very readable biography of the Strauss family
April 2, 2022
Given I have only passing interest in the Strauss family I found this book gripping and very enjoyable.
Read
February 4, 2025DNF
February 10, 2017
I thought John Suchet did a marvellous job writing about the Strauss Dynasty. It was a pleasure to read, I could hardly put the book down. I am also enjoying another by John Suchet.
September 8, 2015
A very well written overview although I wish the author had included the backstories for more of the works of Herr Strauss. It is compelling to read how exactly one or another event conspired for the creation of work such and such... and there is at least a story I have read that Frohsinns-Spenden was written by the Younger Strauss for the death of his father.
December 5, 2015
Very interesting read, about one of our favourite cities. Discovered some new facts about both the Strauss family and Vienna - which is something we do every time we visit Vienna anyway. At times the book just lost its flow, which made me question why have you jumped from this to that. I really liked the style of presentation and pictures, which brought back many happy memories.
January 4, 2016
Great insight into 19th century of Viennese life
John Suchet has brought a wonderful breath the era of Waitztime and its background. Not only has he shown us the story of the Strauss family with all its trial and tribulations, also the historical background of last century of the Austro-Hugarian Empire. It is a book I found hard to put down . Well done John Suchet.
John Suchet has brought a wonderful breath the era of Waitztime and its background. Not only has he shown us the story of the Strauss family with all its trial and tribulations, also the historical background of last century of the Austro-Hugarian Empire. It is a book I found hard to put down . Well done John Suchet.
March 4, 2016
A wonderful overview of the Strauss family, and uniquely a history of their lives set among the current events and royal personalities of the time. It is much easier to understand their music when we know more of the Viennese mindset and the historical background against which they were composed.
December 10, 2025
Suchet used comprehensive research, very nice visuals, and well-chosen supplementary historical material. His descriptions fell into clichés and generalizations at times, but the book is nice enough to keep around for sure.
March 23, 2016
Excellent book. Beautiful detail giving wonderful insight into the family Strauss and also into the surrounding society.
December 4, 2017
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14827505
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14827505
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews