Happy New Year 2026
Wishing you a year full of health, happiness, creativity, and beautiful music.
The new year begins with the elegant and joyful melodies of the Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert, one of the most beloved classical music events worldwide. Every January 1st, music lovers welcome the year with waltzes, polkas, galops, and marches. These pieces capture the charm, energy, and musical heritage of 19th-century Vienna.
In this guide, we explore the main composers featured in the program, their historical background, and the musical forms that make this concert so special.
In this post, we will explore the main composers featured in the program, their historical background, and the musical forms that make this concert so special.
Composers Featured in the Vienna New Year’s Concert and Their Musical Era
Most composers in the New Year’s Concert belong to the Romantic era, a period when dance music flourished in Vienna. Here are the key composers:
Johann Strauss II (1825–1899) – Vienna, Austria | Romantic Period
Carl Michael Ziehrer (1843–1922) – Vienna, Austria | Late Romantic Period
Joseph Lanner (1801–1843) – Vienna, Austria | Early Romantic Period
Eduard Strauss (1835–1916) – Vienna, Austria | Romantic Period
Johann Strauss I (1804–1849) – Vienna, Austria | Early Romantic Period
Franz von Suppè (1819–1895) – Split, Austrian Empire (now Croatia) | Romantic Period
Josef Strauss (1827–1870) – Vienna, Austria | Romantic Period
Josefine Weinlich (1848–1887) – Vienna, Austria | Romantic Period
Florence Price (1887–1953) – Little Rock, Arkansas, USA | Late Romantic / Early 20th Century
Hans Christian Lumbye (1810–1874) – Copenhagen, Denmark | Romantic Period
Musical Forms in the Vienna New Year’s Concert
The program includes many distinct musical forms. Each one has a unique character and history.
Overture – An overture introduces an opera, operetta, ballet, or stage work. It sets the mood and often presents musical themes that appear later. However, some overtures are also performed independently in concerts.
Operetta – An operetta combines music, singing, dialogue, and dance. It is lighter and more humorous than an opera, often featuring romantic plots and elegant dance music like waltzes and polkas. Operettas were very popular in 19th-century Vienna.
Lieder – Lieder are art songs for solo voice and piano, setting poetry to music. In the concert, Lieder-inspired works provide lyrical and expressive melodies, even when performed instrumentally.
March – Marches are strong, regular rhythmic pieces, often in 2/4 or 4/4 time. Famous examples like the Radetzky March encourage audience participation and create a festive, triumphant atmosphere.
Musical Forms – Dances
Waltz (Walzer) – A waltz is a dance in 3/4 time with flowing, circular motion. Count it as “ONE–two–three”. The Viennese waltz became popular in 19th-century Vienna and was developed into a refined art form by Johann Strauss I and II. Its graceful melodies and joyful momentum make it central to the New Year’s Concert.
Galop (Galoppe) – A galop is a fast, lively dance in 2/4 time. It features repeated patterns and strong accents. The galop often concludes concerts, adding excitement, energy, and a sense of celebration.
Polka Schnell – This fast polka in 2/4 time is lively and playful. It features sharp rhythms and light articulation. Composers like the Strauss family used it to showcase brilliance and virtuosity.
Polka Mazur – A polka mazur combines polka and mazurka elements. It is written in 3/4 time, graceful, and lyrical. It adds elegance and rhythmic variety to the program.
Polka Française – A moderate-tempo polka in 2/4 time. It is smoother, more elegant, and refined. The polka française provides a soft, graceful contrast in the concert.
Quadrille (Fledermaus Quadrille) – A quadrille is a structured ballroom dance for several couples, with short sections and distinct rhythms. The Fledermaus Quadrille uses melodies from the operetta Die Fledermaus and adds humor and theatrical charm.
I hope this guide helps you enjoy the Vienna New Year’s Concert even more! May the melodies of waltzes, polkas, galops, and marches fill your home with joy, inspiration, and celebration.
Happy New Year 2026! Wishing you health, happiness, and many beautiful moments with music. Enjoy listening, and let the festive spirit of the New Year accompany you throughout the year!