Erich Wolfgang Korngold, hailed as a musical prodigy in Vienna during his childhood, later became one of the most prominent composers of Hollywood’s Golden Age. However, in his last orchestral work, Straussiana, he returned in spirit to his hometown and paid tribute to the “King of the Waltz,” Johann Strauss.

Drawing on his many years of experience as an arranger of J. Strauss’ operettas, the composer wove lesser-known melodies from the operettas Fürstin Ninetta (Princess Ninetta), Cagliostro in Wien (Cagliostro in Vienna), and Ritter Pázmán (Knight Pazman) into this seven-minute musical miniature. Although the piece was originally conceived for a school orchestra, it ultimately evolved into a colourful symphonic score in which nostalgic memories of Vienna blend with the cinematic sound that made Korngold famous in Hollywood.