By Strauss


"By Strauss" is a 1936 song composed by George Gershwin, with lyrics by Ira Gershwin. It pays homage to the music of Johann Strauss, Sr. and Johann Strauss, Jr.

Lyrics

The singer sings how he doesn't like Broadway, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter and - in a case of self-mockery - George Gershwin. Instead he wants to dance to waltzes by father and son Strauss. The lyrics reference three of Strauss's best known compositions, namely An der schönen blauen Donau, Die Fledermaus and Wein, Weib und Gesang.

History

After hearing the Gershwins perform an early version of the song at private parties, Vincente Minnelli included it in his 1936 revue The Show Is On, where it was introduced by Gracie Barrie and Robert Shafter.
It was then performed by Gene Kelly, Georges Guétary, and Oscar Levant in Minnelli's 1951 film An [American in Paris (film)|An American in Paris]. Ira Gershwin was pleased with the film and, leading up to its premiere, wrote: "Some of the songs like 'By Strauss,' 'Love Is Here to Stay,' 'Tra-La-La' and a couple of others aren't well known but will be easy to take."
The song was also featured in the 2012 musical Nice Work If [You Can Get It (musical)|Nice Work If You Can Get It], performed by the character Estonia Dulworth in a counterpoint with a reprise of "Sweet and Low-Down".

Notable recordings

Many other artists have also recorded the song. Among them: