Lanner, Joseph

(Franz Karl), historically significant Austrian violinist, conductor, and composer; b. Vienna, April 12, 1801; d. Oberdobling, near Vienna, April 14, 1843. A self-taught violinist and composer, Lanner joined Pamer's dance orchestra, a popular Viennese group, when he was 12. In 1818 he formed a trio, which, a year later, became a quartet when JOHANN STRAUSS, SR., joined. The group grew in size, and, by 1824, it was a full-sized classical orchestra that performed in coffeehouses, in taverns, and at balls. The orchestra was subsequently divided into two ensembles, with Lanner leading one and Strauss the other. Strauss went his own way in 1825.

With Strauss, Lanner is acknowledged as the creator of the 19th-century Viennese WALTZ. His output totals 209 popular pieces, including 112 waltzes, 25 LÄNDLER, ten QUADRILLES, three POLKAS, 28 GALOPS, and six MARCHES. He also composed an overture to the fairy tale Der Preis einer Lebensstunde, the Banquet-Polonaise, a TARANTELLA, and a BOLERO.

His son August (Joseph) Lanner (1834-55) was a short-lived but talented violinist, dance composer, and conductor.