Biography
Essentially self-taught, Joseph Lanner pursued a career as both dance composer and violinist. He entered Pamer’s dance orchestra at twelve, by which time its leader had already earned recognition for composing the ländler, the form that would later give rise to the Viennese waltzes of Lanner and Strauss. Lanner’s first pieces followed Pamer’s model closely, favoring a deliberate tempo and accentuating each pulse within the 3/4 measure. Johann Strauss played viola in the same ensemble. Lanner next assembled a trio that included the Drahanek brothers on violins and guitar; Strauss joined the group the following year. In 1824 the ensemble grew into a full orchestra and began giving well-received performances in coffee-houses, taverns, and Vienna’s amusement park. Rising popularity soon required Lanner to split the orchestra, with Strauss leading one half and Lanner the other. A personal rupture later ended their partnership, yet both musicians kept delighting listeners with their compositions. Lanner excelled at lyrical expression, whereas Strauss favored vigorous, sharply defined rhythms. Through these efforts Lanner helped lay the foundation of the Viennese waltz.