Strauß and Lanner memorial
1010 Vienna, Rathauspark
The Vienna Strauß and Lanner memorial stands in Rathauspark, quite near Parliament. It was sculpted by Franz Seifert in 1905 and represents Strauß and Lanner standing, as larger-than-life figures. Strauß sen. is holding a book of music, Lanner is shown with a violin. Joseph Lanner (1801-1843) was born as the son of a glovers apprentice. Altogether he composed 208 pieces of music. From early childhood on he tried his hand at various string instruments. In 1819 he formed an ensemble consisting of two violins and a guitar. Later on he added a viola, played by Strauß sen. This amateur quartet developed into an orchestra that fascinated the public. Lanner created a totally new form of dance, which he derived from the classical dance of Beethoven and Schubert. Lanner is thus regarded as the real inventor of the Viennese waltz
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