Watch The Waltz King

The Waltz King is a British/Austrian film directed by David Drew featuring the magnificence of Lesley Garrett's performing arts abilities as she embodies the role of Baroness Elsa von Schraeder. The film narrates the life and times of Johann Strauss II, the man famously known as the 'Waltz King', and how he rose to fame as a composer and performer of Viennese waltzes.

The story starts with Johann Strauss II at the height of his career, traveling and performing for an audience that adores him. We see Lesley Garrett's character, Baroness Elsa von Schraeder, requesting to meet Strauss, and following their meeting, a series of flashbacks unfold. The film takes us back to Strauss's childhood where we see his transition from a school dropout to a prolific composer and beloved performer.

The young Johann Strauss II is portrayed as a prodigious musician, gifted with an uncanny ability to fuse classical music with dance, setting him apart in the music community of Vienna. Despite his father's disapproval of his musical aspirations, Strauss II manages to break free from his father's control and starts composing his pieces, which become incredibly popular in Austria.

Throughout the movie, we get glimpses of the "City of Dreams", Vienna, where Strauss II lived and composed his music. The film portrays Vienna as a cultural hub of Europe that drew artists, musicians, and performers from all over the world. A notable mention in the film is the famous Opera House in Vienna, where Strauss II premiered many of his compositions.

The movie delves into multiple aspects of Strauss II's life, including his relationships with various women, particularly his wife and the love of his life, Adele. Adele is portrayed as his loyal companion and confident, someone who inspires him to create more music and perform better. Her death, which happened when Strauss II was at the peak of his career, is depicted as a significant setback for him, resulting in Strauss II rising from the ashes stronger than ever.

One of the notable scenes in the film is the performance of the Blue Danube, one of Strauss II's most celebrated compositions. The scene captures the essence of the composer's work, portraying the beauty and artistry of Viennese waltzes gracefully. This scene brings together the choreography, the orchestra, and Lesley Garrett's singing abilities to create a moment of sheer beauty and inspiration.

As the movie progresses, we see Strauss II's struggles with alcoholism and poor financial decisions, which almost leads him to bankruptcy. However, his determination to keep performing and composing music pulls him out of his troubles, and he becomes hugely successful once again. The film ends with a grand performance, where Strauss II receives a standing ovation from the audience for his talent as a musician and performer.

Overall, The Waltz King is an exquisite portrayal of the life and times of Johann Strauss II, who is widely celebrated as one of the most significant composers of the 19th century. The film captures his life's highs and lows, his love affairs, and his passion for composing music. Lesley Garrett's portrayal of Baroness Elsa von Schraeder is remarkable, bringing the character to life with grace and elegance. The film uses stunning visuals and a fantastic soundtrack to truly immerse the viewers into the world of Viennese waltzes, making it a must-watch for lovers of classical music and historical dramas.

The Waltz King is a 2006 non-fiction movie with a runtime of 59 minutes.