The Radetzky March
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The Strauss Family: 15 facts about Vienna's musical dynasty
7. The Radetzky March
Johann Strauss I’s most famous piece is probably the 1848 Radetzky March – named after Field Marshal Joseph Radetzky von Radetz, written to commemorate Radetsky's victory at the Battle of Custoza. When it was first played in front of Austrian officers they spontaneously clapped and stamped their feet when they heard the chorus. This tradition is kept alive today when the march is played in classical music venues in Vienna.