Music of Vienna

More than 10 000 music fans enjoy listening to classical music in Vienna every night - there is nothing like this to be met in any other city in the world. Annually there are more than 15 000 performances of various genres and scales held in Vienna, according to its concert calendar. Isn't it great?

I visited this wonderful city myself a couple of months ago, and I should say I was deeply impressed by its charm and attractiveness. Being a big fan of classical music myself, I couldn't help but feel the passionate love for it that was soaring in the air of the city. Could it be different though? The motherland of greatest classical names in the history of music - meet Vienna. My trip couldn't remain unmarked, so I decided to make up my own list of classical compositions that are now clearly and dearly associated with Vienna-wonder-city for me. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Many waltzes by Johann Strauss II bear the character of symphonic pieces, though they manage to preserve the magic rhythm and charm of dance melodies. Hardly do the Tales from the Vienna Woods begin to sound, when I start imagining the trees in the forest morning fog and hearing the voices of the waking up birds. A perfect gift of conveying the mood by means of musical instruments is probably the reason why the brilliant composer is so loved by music lovers. Tales from the Vienna Woods, Op.325 - digital sheet music

Rudolf Sechinski was born in Vienna in 1879 and spent his entire life there. Composing “Vienna, City of my dreams”, he was trying to speak about the love to his small motherland. This composition that was obviously was made up in the rhythm of waltz brings me back to the romantic time of the Strauss.

The Emperor after which the waltz got its name was Franz Josef I. in the years of his reining from 1848 till 1916 Vienna was the central city of Europe. There is an opinion that back at that time it was even more beautiful than Paris in its splendor. Like everyone else, he felt perfect at the parquets of the dance halls, where waltzes were the main accompaniment of every ball.

Franz von Suppe became one of the most typical Viennese composers, though he came from a mixed Italian-belgian family. His most well-known operetta “Light Cavalry” was performed for the first time in Vienna on March 24, 1866. Already in the first sounds of his overture to the “Light Cavalry” we can hear such features of composer’s talents as cheerfulness and the courage of expression.

Once upon a time Mozart decided to create a menuet in Haydn style. It concerns the classical sample of dance music. But this "Menuet", as well as "German Dances" can boast of original melodic findings and perfection that were so brightly revealed in composer's later compositions.Minuet in D Major, K.355 - digital sheet music

The life of Joseph Radetzky, one of the best Austrian commander-in-chiefs, was extremely bright. Being still a young man, he fought against Napoleon in Italy and showed great courage. In the battle at Marengo Joseph was injured 5 times. In 1809 he was ranked field marshal. Soldiers called him father and worshiped him, being sure he was a perfect leader. Radetzky's fame was so great that when Austria was being defeated in Northern Italy battle after battle, he was called back from retirement and in the head of the Army, that soon gained victory over the enemy. That is exactly why the marsh composed by Strauss in commemoration of those events couldn't have a different name.Radetzky March (Piano Part), Op.228 - Digital sheet music

What struck me most when I was walking along the magnificent streets was the feeling of that emperor grandeur. It was almost hearing the sounds of magic waltz coming from the the ball of His Highness...

If you already experienced this awe yourself - do tell me how it was for you. If not - tell me what are your musical associations with this emperor's city!