The Hellmesberger family was at the centre of Viennese musical life from the Biedermeier period onwards, with the violinist Georg Hellmesberger (1800–1873) contributing music for the violin, followed by his sons Joseph (1828–1893), a violinist, conductor and composer, and Georg (1830–1852), a composer and conductor. The younger Joseph, called after his father, continued the family tradition as a violinist, conductor and composer, and was more prolific than his elders in this last occupation.

Operetta, Ballet and Dance Music

The younger Joseph Hellmesberger wrote operettas, ballets and incidental music, and was closely connected with the ballet in Vienna as a conductor. His compositions also include a number of dance pieces.