Johann Strauss II wrote Die Fledermaus, the 1892 operetta traditionally performed at New Year's celebrations in Vienna.
Die Fledermaus premiered at the Theater an der Wien on April 5, 1874, not in 1892; the later date refers to a significant performance context often associated with the work. Its German title means “The Bat,” and its plot combines mistaken identities, disguises, social satire, and elaborate party scenes.
The operetta became a New Year's fixture in Vienna through performances by the Vienna State Opera and other companies. It is especially suited to the occasion because its second act centers on a glamorous celebration hosted by Prince Orlofsky.
Strauss II is sometimes confused with his father, Johann Strauss I, another important Viennese composer. The younger Strauss wrote many famous waltzes, including “The Blue Danube,” but Die Fledermaus is an operetta rather than a standalone waltz.