Austrian composer Johann Strauss II (1825 - 1899), is well known for his prodigious output of waltzes, polkas and operettas. He was also a notable violinist and conductor, and made many tours, particularly to London and the USA. He was the son of Johann Strauss I, and collaborated in a few works with his brother, Josef.

Furioso Polka is perhaps one of his lesser-known compositions, but it is certainly one of the most exciting. It was composed in 1862, while Strauss lived in Vienna.