On today’s date in 1853, the Viennese Theatrical News printed this notice: “At the big ball at Unger’s Casino Josef Strauss performed his new waltz, entitled ‘The First and the Last.’ The waltz had to be repeated no less than six times.”

That occasion marked the debut of Josef Strauss the composer, and occurred just a few weeks after the debut of Josef Strauss the conductor.

Josef was the younger brother of the popular waltz king, Johann Strauss, Jr., and initially embarked on a career as a talented architect, mathematician and civil engineer. In fact, Josef was determined to stay well away from the family’s musical empire. Josef had designed the waterworks for an Austrian town, devised a new table of logarithms for secondary school use, and even invented a new street cleaning machine, which was tested and approved by the Vienna City Council.

And then, one night, his brother Johann collapsed from overwork and dutifully Josef took over directing the family orchestra. Since it was assumed that all the Strauss family would come up with original music, Josef even tried his hand at composing.

As the title suggests, he honestly intended it to be a “one off”, hence its title “The first AND the last.” Well, it proved so popular that Josef Strauss followed it with another waltz, entitled “The First AFTER the Last.”

Josef Strauss must have heaved a sigh and bowed to destiny. He bid his engineering and scientific career adieu, and joined the family music concern.