Joseph Lanner was a dance composer and violinist who was essentially self-taught. At the age of twelve he joined Pamer's dance orchestra who was already known as a composer of the `landler' -- the predecessor to the Viennese Waltzes of Lanner and Strauss. Lanner's early dances were composed much in the same style as those of Pamer with a slow pace and an emphasis on every beat of the 3/4 time measure. Johann Strauss was the violist in Pamer's orchestra. Lanner formed a trio with the Drahanek brothers (two violins and a guitar) which Strauss joined in the next year. The group expanded to a full orchestra in 1824 and successfully performed in coffee-houses, taverns, and Vienna's amusement park. The popularity and demand for the Lanner and Strauss orchestra caused Lanner to divide the orchestra and Strauss conducted one group while Lanner conducted the other. Eventually Lanner and Strauss had a personnal split but both continued to intoxicate audiences with their music. Characteristically, Lanner was gifted in lyrical qualities while Strauss was gifted in writing bold and energetic rhythms. Lanner was instrumental in establishing the groundwork for the Viennese Waltz. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi