Oscar Straus, Austrian composer (b. 1870)

Oscar Straus: A Master of Viennese Operetta and Beyond

Oscar Nathan Straus (6 March 1870 – 11 January 1954) was a distinguished Austrian composer, widely celebrated for his significant contributions to Viennese operetta, film scores, and popular songs. Born into a Jewish family, Straus demonstrated a remarkable versatility throughout his career, composing an extensive repertoire that included approximately 500 cabaret songs, intricate chamber music, and grand orchestral and choral works. His prolific output firmly established him as a prominent figure in the musical landscape of the early 20th century, particularly known for his captivating melodies and theatrical flair.

Forging an Identity: The Name Change and Early Career

Originally, Oscar Straus bore the surname "Strauss," a name synonymous with the legendary "Waltz King," Johann Strauss II, and his immensely famous musical family in Vienna. To avoid any professional confusion or association with this illustrious dynasty, and to carve out his own distinct identity in the competitive world of classical and popular music, Oscar Straus deliberately omitted the final 's' from his surname for all professional purposes. This strategic decision allowed him to build a legacy based purely on his unique artistic merit rather than being perceived as a member of the established Strauss lineage.

Despite this desire for distinctness, Straus did heed crucial advice from Johann Strauss II himself in 1898. At that time, writing waltzes, a genre globally popularized and dominated by the Strauss family, might have seemed a tempting path to popularity for a young composer. However, the elder Strauss wisely guided young Oscar towards the more financially rewarding and artistically expansive realm of writing for the theatre, specifically operettas and other stage works. This pivotal guidance fundamentally shaped Straus's career trajectory, leading him to focus on theatrical compositions that would ultimately define his greatest successes.

His comprehensive musical education began in Berlin, where he studied under the esteemed German Romantic composer Max Bruch. Bruch, celebrated for masterpieces like his Violin Concerto No. 1 and choral works, provided Straus with a rigorous foundation in classical composition. Oscar Straus initially embarked on a career as an orchestral conductor, notably working at the groundbreaking Überbrettl cabaret in Berlin. Founded by Ernst von Wolzogen in 1901, the Überbrettl was a pioneering literary cabaret, a dynamic hub for avant-garde artistic expression that blended music, poetry, and social commentary, providing Straus with invaluable experience in a lively theatrical and popular entertainment environment.

Return to Vienna and the Golden Age of Operetta

Straus eventually returned to his native Vienna, a city steeped in musical tradition, particularly the flourishing genre of operetta. Here, he rapidly gained recognition and became a formidable rival to Franz Lehár, another titan of the "Silver Age of Viennese Operetta." This period, from the late 19th century through the early 20th century, saw Vienna as the epicenter of operetta, and the spirited competition between composers like Straus and Lehár significantly fueled the genre's innovation and popularity, driving both to produce some of their most iconic works.

A famous anecdote encapsulates this competitive yet ambitious spirit: when Lehár's globally acclaimed operetta, The Merry Widow, premiered in 1905 to immense critical and popular success, Straus is famously quoted as remarking, "Das kann ich auch!" (I can also do that!). This declaration of confident ambition wasn't merely a sign of rivalry but a profound statement of self-belief, setting the stage for Straus to create his own series of celebrated operettas, thereby proving his mastery of the form and his ability to compete at the highest level.

Exile, International Recognition, and Legacy

The rise of Nazism in Europe tragically impacted Straus's life and career. As a prominent Jewish artist, he was forced to flee Austria in 1939 following the Nazi Anschluss, the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany. This period saw widespread persecution of Jews and intellectuals, compelling many artists into exile. Straus initially sought refuge in Paris, France, where his enduring artistic contributions were recognized with the prestigious honour of a Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur, one of France's highest decorations, signifying his international standing and defiance in the face of adversity. Subsequently, he moved to Hollywood, USA, where he continued to compose for film, demonstrating his remarkable adaptability and enduring creativity even amidst the profound upheaval of forced exile.

After World War II, Straus returned to Europe, choosing to settle in Bad Ischl, a picturesque spa town in Austria with deep historical ties to operetta composers, including Franz Lehár, who also had strong connections to the region. He lived out his final years there, passing away peacefully on 11 January 1954. His final resting place is in the Bad Ischl Friedhof (cemetery), a testament to his deep roots in Austrian culture despite his international journeys.

Notable Works and Enduring Influence

Among Oscar Straus's most celebrated and enduring works are his operettas Ein Walzertraum (A Waltz Dream), which premiered in 1907, and The Chocolate Soldier (Der tapfere Soldat), first performed in 1908. Ein Walzertraum, a romantic operetta brimming with charm, captivated audiences with its enchanting melodies, and its central waltz arrangement remains arguably his most enduring orchestral piece, frequently performed in concerts worldwide as a standalone classic. The Chocolate Soldier, a comedic operetta based on George Bernard Shaw's play "Arms and the Man," showcased Straus's keen wit and musical flair, enjoying significant international success and contributing to his global renown.

Beyond his operatic achievements, Straus's musical genius extended seamlessly to the world of film. His evocative theme from the 1950 French film La Ronde, directed by the acclaimed Max Ophüls, became globally renowned and is widely recognized as one of his most famous compositions. This iconic theme demonstrates his unique capacity to create memorable melodies for diverse media, cementing his legacy not just as a master of Viennese operetta but as a versatile and influential musical talent whose works continue to resonate with audiences today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oscar Straus

Who was Oscar Straus?
Oscar Straus (1870-1954) was a prominent Austrian composer known primarily for his contributions to Viennese operetta, film scores, and popular songs. He was a significant figure in the "Silver Age" of Viennese music.
Why did Oscar Straus change his name from "Strauss"?
He deliberately removed the final 's' from his original surname, Strauss, to avoid being confused with or associated with the highly famous Johann Strauss II and his musical family in Vienna, establishing his own distinct professional identity.
What are some of Oscar Straus's most famous works?
His most well-known works include the operettas Ein Walzertraum (A Waltz Dream) and The Chocolate Soldier (Der tapfere Soldat), as well as the globally recognized theme from the 1950 film La Ronde.
How was Oscar Straus connected to Franz Lehár?
Oscar Straus was a contemporary and significant rival to Franz Lehár, another leading composer of Viennese operetta. Their friendly competition played a role in the creative vibrancy of the genre during their era.
Where did Oscar Straus live after fleeing the Nazis?
Following the Nazi Anschluss in 1939, Oscar Straus first sought refuge in Paris, France, where he was awarded the Légion d'honneur, and subsequently moved to Hollywood, USA, continuing his work in film composition before returning to Europe after World War II.