Carl Michael Ziehrer (1843-1922) was an Austrian composer and military bandmaster, active in the Viennese light-music tradition. He became one of the important rivals and successors to the Strauss family in the world of waltzes, marches and dances.

His works include waltzes, polkas, marches, operettas and military-band pieces. His music appears naturally in programmes of Viennese galops, polkas and potpourris.

Ziehrer’s style is tuneful, rhythmically buoyant and built for public entertainment, with a strong sense of band colour and dance momentum.

Though overshadowed by Johann Strauss II, Ziehrer was a major figure in the same musical ecosystem. His music keeps the Viennese bandstand brisk, polished and open for business.