In the footsteps of the great masters

Music tip: W. A. Mozart: "Le nozze di Figaro"

In the shade of the Hofburg, we encounter the gleaming white monument of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Although he was one of the greatest musical geniuses, he was portrayed somewhat sumptuously by Viktor Tilgner. You can’t even recognize the "revolutionary" who in him, that certainly amused himself critically about the court society, for example in his opera "The Marriage of Figaro".

Music tip: W. A. Mozart: "Don Giovanni"

We continue our walk to the State Opera, where today the heart of classical, scenic music is beating. As the first public building it was opened in 1869 in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth with the Mozart opera "Don Juan" - better known as "Don Giovanni".

Music tip: L. van Beethoven: Symphony No. 3, Op. 55

Palais Lobkowitz, which was built after the 2nd Turkish siege, is one of the oldest baroque palace buildings in Vienna. Today it houses the Austrian Theatre Museum. In the Piano Nobile you can find the splendidly frescoed banqueting hall, the so called Eroica Hall. In 1807, the Palais Lobkowitz, to whose patron Beethoven once dedicated the 3rd Symphony, hosted the premiere of his 4th Symphony.

Music tip: Alban Berg: "Wozzeck" (Trailer)

Back at the State Opera, we’ll notice a modern, 2-ton structure made of shiny aluminum. Unveiled in 2016, the monument honors the composers of the Viennese School and their mentor: Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, Anton Webern, as well as the composer Gustav Mahler. The design by Wolf D. Prix shows "frozen music - an abstract variation on four note images of the three composers".
 

Music tip: Johann Strauss: "Freuet euch des Lebens"

It is considered one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world with the best acoustics! The "Golden Hall" in the Musikverein building. It is the home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and welcomes the New Year with lilting waltz melodies in one of the most popular concerts worldwide. Johann Strauss conducted the opening ball in 1870 with his waltz "Freuet Euch des Lebens," which he dedicated to the Society of Friends of Music.

Music tip: Brahms Walzer Nr. 19-21 "Konzert für Österreich 2010"

Great talents have always been magically drawn to Vienna because they hoped to find patrons here and eventually make a career for themselves. Right across from the Musikverein on Karlsplatz we meet such a person. Johannes Brahms, born in Hamburg, was rightly called the legitimate successor of Beethoven. In 1873 he was appointed Artistic Director of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde (Music Association).

Music tip: A. Vivaldi "Sommer"

Long before Brahms, Antonio Vivaldi moved from Venice to Vienna. His music was already out of fashion in Italy and he hoped to find a patron at the imperial court. Before he was granted an audience with Emperor Charles VI, the father of Maria Theresa, Europe’s once most famous composer died impoverished and lonely. A plaque at the Vienna University of Technology commemorates the lost grave site.

Music tip: Ch. W. Gluck: "Orfeo ed Euridice"

If we go a little further, in the shade of the baroque Karlskirche we meet a great reformer of opera: Ch. W. Gluck. Born in the Upper Palatinate, he was one of the newcomers who made a career in Vienna. His most outstanding work, the opera "Orfeo ed Euridice", was premiered on October 5th, 1762 in the (old) Burgtheater and is considered to be the overcoming of the baroque opera seria.

Music tip: L. van Beethoven "Freude schöner Götterfunke"

Opposite the Konzerthaus (concert hall), the greatest of the German masters is honored twice: Ludwig van Beethoven's monument by Caspar von Zumbusch looks down on us with dignity and benevolence, and we have known it for some time. The other one has been decorating the square only since Beethoven’s anniversary year in 2020. It’s a colorfully painted bronze sculpture by the German sculptor Markus Lüpertz in the form of the sublime titan and Beethoven's head in the foreground. 

Music tip: Johann Strauss "An der schönen, blauen Donau"

We continue our walk to the Stadtpark (city park). Through a magnificent Art Nouveau arch, the river, which flows mostly underground, comes out into the open. The park extends in the area of the former Wasserglacis, a recreational area at the gates of old Vienna. Already in the 19th century, people came here to get some air and have fun at the Kursalon Hübner. Among others, Johann Strauss played there publicly for an eager audience. A real pop star of his time.

Music tip: Franz Lehár "Die lustige Witwe"

As we take a few steps further, the monument for probably the most prominent representative of the Silver Operetta Era awaits: Franz Lehár. In 1905, he himself conducted the premiere of the "Merry Widow" at the Theater an der Wien. A true world success!

Music tip: Robert Stolz "Im Prater blüh'n wieder die Bäume"

His elementary school teacher considered him the "worst student in all of Styria", but nevertheless he became a professor many years later. Stolz is considered the last master of Viennese operetta and his melodies are timeless true evergreens: "Im Prater blüh'n wieder die Bäume", "Die ganze Welt ist himmelblau" and many more. 

Music tip: Franz Schubert: "Die Forelle", Op. 32

At the end of our tour, we turn to Franz Schubert. The historicist monument seems alien and "Franzl" is not recognizable at first glance, because he does not wear glasses! After the Wien River splashes nearby, our last piece of music is his most popular song "Die Forelle" (the trout). The music bubbles along like the bright brook and many listeners believe that this is actually just a story about fish and fishermen.