THE LAST WALTZ: THE STRAUSS DYNASTY AND VIENNA
By: John Suchet
THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER!
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.
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I greatly enjoyed spending time with John Suchet’s fascinating book about Johann Strauss, and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
- André Rieu -
John beautifully balances the family Strauss saga with the fall of the Habsburg Empire. This copiously illustrated book is terrific!
- Carl Davis, composer and conductor -
Very readable … elegantly prepared with plenty of quality illustrations … makes a fascinating read about one of the greatest musical dynasties that ever lived. John Suchet puts their personal lives into the context of the politics of the day without missing out on the musical history. A book to be thoroughly recommended.
- John Diamond, Chairman of The Johann Strauss Society of Great Britain -
Riveting reading … I found it difficult to put down. Stuffed full of facts, both historical and musical, this is in no way a dry academic tome because John Suchet, as always, spins his enthusiastic way through the drama as if guiding us personally in the footsteps of the protagonists and their times. I can highly recommend this absorbing and beautifully presented book.
- Howard Shelley, pianist and conductor
