The relationship between
Johann Strauss Sr. (hereafter referred to as Sr),
Johann Strauss (hereafter referred to as Jr), and the latter's writing of what is arguably his most famous composition, The Blue Danube Waltz, is dramatized. Jr is openly dismissed musically by Sr, only playing second violin in his orchestra while totally denouncing his ability as a composer. Jr's girlfriend Raisa, the daughter of a baker, loves his music and wants him to dedicate all his compositions, so far unpublished, to her. Overhearing Jr play, Countess Helga wants him to set one of her poems to music. He does so with Raisa's help and encouragement, she initially unaware the music for the Countess. This act sets off a triangle of sorts at least in Raisa's mind, especially as the Countess goes to extreme lengths to get the composition heard, which Sr would never allow.
—Huggo