Johann Strauss II, also called Johann Strauss Jr. or the Waltz King, was an Austrian composer and violinist born in 1825 and died in 1899. He is best known for his light dance music and operettas, composing more than 500 works including waltzes, polkas, and quadrilles. Strauss played a major role in making the waltz popular in the 19th century. His most famous pieces include The Blue Danube, Emperor Waltz, Tales from the Vienna Woods, and Frühlingsstimmen. Among his operettas, Die Fledermaus and Der Zigeunerbaron are especially notable. He was the son of composer Johann Strauss I, and his brothers Josef and Eduard also wrote music, though Strauss II became the most renowned.