All articles related to Music

Graz, Salzburg and Innsbruck

Austrian city breaks offer more than just guidebook sights. Gourmet Graz, romantic Salzburg and invigorating Innsbruck provide new experiences at just the right pace.

Vorarlberg

Vorarlberg enjoys a supreme location in Austria’s most western part. Pleasantly small in size, it offers a mix of high-carat culture and dazzling natural scenery.

Summer Holiday Deals

A day of fresh air in the mountains, an afternoon lost in modern art and architecture, a moment of wonder at opera in the most surprising of settings. And, with plenty of time for unexpected discoveries, Austria is one summer holiday destination that you'd return to in a second.

Vienna's Glorious Ball Season

Ever dreamed about dancing the waltz at one of Vienna's many famous balls? With hundreds to choose from, here are the highlights of the Viennese Ball Season 2012/2013.

Famous Austrians

Who doesn't know them, Austria's 'great' sons and daughters? They have left their mark all across the centuries in politics, art, science and sport. Find out which famous personalities originated from the country at the heart of Europe, or chose it as the center of their life and creative work.

Wolf, Hugo (1860 - 1903)

Hugo Wolf was an Austrian composer of Slovene origin, particularly noted for his art songs. He brought to this form a concentrated expressive intensity which was unique in late Romantic music, somewhat related to that of the Second Viennese School in concision but utterly unrelated in technique.

Webern, Anton von (1883 - 1945)

Anton Webern was an Austrian composer and conductor. As a student and follower of Arnold Schoenberg, he became one of the best-known exponents of the twelve-tone technique. In addition, his innovations regarding schematic organization of pitch, rhythm and dynamics were formative in the musical technique later known as total serialism.

Suppé, Franz von (1819 - 1895)

Franz von Suppé or Francesco Suppé Demelli was an Austrian composer of light operas. He was composer and conductor of the Romantic period and is notable for his four dozen operettas.

Strauß, Johann (1825 - 1899)

Johann Strauss II was an Austrian composer of light music, particularly dance music and operettas. He composed over 500 waltzes, polkas, quadrilles, and other types of dance music, as well as several operettas and a ballet. In his lifetime, he was known as "The Waltz King.

Strauß, Johann - Father (1804 - 1849)

Johann Strauss I was born in Vienna, was an Austrian Romantic composer and was famous for his waltzes. His most famous piece is the Radetzky March (named after Joseph Radetzky von Radetz), while his most famous waltz is probably the Lorelei Rheinklänge, Op. 154.

Schubert, Franz (1797 - 1828)

Franz Schubert was an vienniese composer, who composed his first pieces in his childhood.

Schönberg, Arnold (1874 - 1951)

Arnold Schoenberg was an Austrian composer and painter, associated with the expressionist movement in German poetry and art, and leader of the Second Viennese School.

Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756 - 1791)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart- one of the greatest composer of all times. He created his own distinctive style with blending traditional and contemporary together.

Mahler, Gustav (1860 - 1911)

Gustav Mahler was born into a poor Jewish family in the town of Kalište in Bohemia on 7th July 1860. Mahler's considerable musical talents, which he employed both as composer and conductor, were surpassed only by his ambition.

Lehár, Franz (1870 - 1948)

Franz Lehár was an Austro-Hungarian composer. He is known for his operettas of which the most successful and best known is The Merry Widow (Die lustige Witwe).

Sopron: Haydn as Regular Guest

On Joseph's Haydn way from Eisenstadt to Eszterháza, Count Estherházy’s Hungarian version of Versailles palace, Count Nikolaus often stopped over in Sopron. Traveling with him was his Kapellmeister Joseph Haydn.

From Choirboy to Conductor

Joseph Haydn was born on March 31st, 1732, in Rohrau (Lower Austria), the second of twelve children of a coach-builder and a cook. His musical talent already became clear at a very early age.

Move to Vienna and World Renown

Haydn was laid to rest in Vienna where his last public appearance in March 1808 took place. One of the guests: Ludwig van Beethoven. With the age of 77, he died peacefully in the Haydn House.

In the Services of Esterházy

In 1761 Haydn made a lucky career move: he entered the services of the rich Esterházy family in Eisenstadt. The Esterházy family was one of the richest and most influential within the Austro-Hungarian empire.

Vienna: Haydn for Experts

Attentive Vienna visitors will find traces of the great composer Joseph Haydn across the city: from the Esterházy Palace to the memorial of Empress Maria Theresia.

Lower Austria: Haydn’s Birthplace in Rohrau

Joseph Haydn’s birthplace is located in Rohrau, a town about ten kilometers to the south of Hainburg on the border between Lower Austria and Burgenland.Today this birthplace is one of Austria’s most significant memorials to a composer.

Burgenland: The Stations of his Life

The Burgenland region offers visitors a true trail of stations of Haydn's life. Not to be missed are the Haydn House and herb garden, the famous Bergkirche, and Haydn's final resting place.

Burgenland: The Stations of his Work

Joseph Haydn had strong connections with Eisenstadt. The famous master composer lived and worked in this city as Hofkapellmeister under Esterházy patronage. One of the most important Haydn memorial sites is the Bergkirche in Eisenstadt.

Haydn's Travels Through Austria

To Mozart he was a fatherly friend, and Beethoven was his most famous student. Numerous sites in Vienna, Lower Austria, Burgenland and Sopron attest to the life of the then and now so popular Austrian composer Joseph Haydn.

Vienna: Haydn at every Step

Haydn House, Mozart House and St. Stephen’s Cathedral are some of the original venues in Vienna. Visit Haydn’s memorial in Mariahilfer Straße and see – or even hear! – Haydn at the historic Anker Clock!

A Star in Great Britain

In 1790 Prince Nikolaus I. died. His successor showed no interest in music and within a few days disbanded the orchestra and choir and granted Haydn an annual pension. Mozart expressed reservations that Haydn did not even speak English, he said: “My music is understood in all the world!”

Vienna: Exhibitions

There are several exhibitions in Vienna spotlighting the life and works of one of the most prominent composers of the classical period. Some of these exhibitions are staged at original Haydn venues. The Haydn House is a "must-see" for all Joseph Haydn fans which contains Haydn’s original rooms.

Haus der Musik - Vienna

Haus der Musik - Vienna is a modern interactive experimental museum in the historic city center of Vienna, where the Vienna Philharmonic was founded. Infotainment, Edutainment and Entertainment – these are the three catchwords characterizing the Haus der Musik - Vienna, offering the visitor a lively introduction to the history of Austria’s great composers.

Art in Salzburg

Salzburg is not only devoted to the traditional. A lively art and culture scene with a plethora of galleries and event venues embraces the avant-garde, the unconventional and the future-oriented.

Austria's Ball Season

Every winter, Austria hosts hundreds of swish ball nights. Learn about the traditions of a typical evening at the ball.

The Oeuvre of the Master

Haydn is traditionally considered the “Father" of the classical symphony and string quartet, and an innovator in the composition of piano sonatas and piano trios.

29.06.2013 - 27.07.2013 - Krems

Glatt & Verkehrt

This very unique festival takes place in different venues: Winzer Krems, Spitz Castle, Zoehrer Wineyard, Goettweig Abbey, as well as Krems. Since 1997 it has provided an environment for artists from around the world to deal with their musical roots in original, funny and surprising ways.

12.09.2013 - 28.09.2013 - Schwaz

Klangspuren

Klangspuren is a festival of contemporary music, held annually in the town of Schwaz in Tirol.

09.08.2013 - 15.09.2013 - Lower Austria

Allegro Vivo

International chamber music festival at various Lower Austria venues. 2013 focuses on the cultural diversity of the British Isles, highlighting how great composers of the European continent as well as native composers derived inspiration for their monumental works.

03.07.2013 - 15.08.2013 - Feldkirch

Poolbar Festival

The Poolbar Festival Feldkirch is a six-week pop culture festival, located in the old indoor swimming pool building of Feldkirch.

24.08.2013 - Wiesen

Sunsplash Reloaded

Afro, Latin and Reggae tunes compliment the relaxed atmosphere of Austria's famous strawberry-growing town at the annual Sunsplash.

"Dudeln" and "Schrammelmusik"

The best things about Vienna seem to come from somewhere else. For instance, the ‘Wiener Schnitzel’ actually comes from Milan, and the same goes for such authentically Viennese forms of music as “Dudeln” (the local name for yodelling) and "Schrammelmusik”, which have also “migrated” here.

Bregenz Festival Package

See Mozart's ‘The Magic Flute’ on the floating stage of Lake Constance. Includes 2 nights in a 3* or 4* hotel, welcome drink, festival ticket and local discount card.

Cultural Highlights

There are countless highlights that await culture lovers visiting Vorarlberg. Lake Constance provides a perfect backdrop for the arts whilst the region of the Bregenzerwald is famous for its contemporary architecture.

City Special

Austria is your desination for city breaks with a twist: Salzburg presents its Baroque face, Graz is a real paradise for foodies and Innsbruck couples sightseeing with outdoor adventure.

15.08.2013 - 17.08.2013 - St. Pölten

FM4 Frequency Festival

The Frequency Festival, organised by radio station FM4, is one of Austria’s largest music festivals. With previous locations in Vienna, Salzburg and now in St. Pölten, the 2013 line up includes top international bands The Killers, Placebo and The Cure.

The Sound of Music as Tracht Ambassador

Each year over 300,000 Sound of Music fans visit Salzburg. The story, songs and traditional attire worn by the von Trapp Family are responsible for the tireless hype, now brought together in a unique exhibition.

Poolbar Festival Feldkirch

Over six weeks in July and August some 20,000 visitors descend upon Feldkirch for one of Europe's hottest music and culture festivals. Set within an old indoor swimming pool complex, come revel in a real party atmosphere where music, art, fashion and architecture colly intermix.

Gauder Fest Tirol

Austria’s largest spring & folk festival, the Gauder Fest, is held every year at the end of April / beginning of May. Visitors can look forward to a weekend of Tirolean traditions and entertainment. Highlight is the traditional parade, displaying the great variety of national costumes from across Tirol, as well as brass bands and horse-drawn floats and carriages.

Linz in Upper Austria

2013 is all about music in Upper Austria and its capital Linz as it opens the doors to Europe's most modern opera house, the new Musiktheater am Volksgarten.

Alpbach Village Festival

Should you be in the Alpbachtal at the beginning of July then be sure to visit the annual Alpbach Village Festival. With fantastic bands and concerts, a great children's programme, delicious regional food and various fun contests such as cow milking and wood sawing, there is no better way to discover this wonderful region.

Schubertiade Packages Bregenzerwald

The most celebrated series of events in the Bregenzerwald’s cultural calendar is the internationally renowned Schubertiade Schwarzenberg. In its unique way, the rural atmosphere harmonises with the music of Schubert and his contemporaries. Book a complete package for this year's event, including accommodation, concert tickets and shuttle bus.

Schubertiade Schwarzenberg / Hohenems

For over 25 years the Schubertiade Festival has been mastering the seemingly impossible: To maintain intimacy, yet become the most important Schubert festival in the world.

Salzburg's Small Treasures

Treat yourself to a 2-night stay at a 4* hotel in Salzburg with brewery visit, beer and dinner, plus a city tour and 24-hour Salzburg Card.

Weekend in Linz

Let Linz entice you to a weekend away with 2 nights' accommodation and breakfast, plus a 3-day Linz-Card for free public transport and entrance to all museums.

Franz Liszt - the European

Franz Liszt’s musical career took him to various European countries that were to influence his work. His open-mindedness and cosmopolitan outlook made him a “true” European. It is thus no wonder that today he remains a prominent figure in numerous countries in different ways.

The Life of a Composer

Of all classical composers, Franz Liszt was the most colourful: an eccentric and heartthrob, a virtuoso pianist, an intellectual, cosmopolitan and globetrotter. And above all, he composed incessantly. His musical oeuvre comprises 123 piano works, 77 lieder, 25 orchestral works, 65 sacred and 28 secular choral pieces, plus numerous arrangements and compositions for organ and other instruments.

Musical Visionary

As a pianist and composer, Franz Liszt broke all conventions of the time, often drawing on one or more themes from familiar operas and using them as the basis for brilliant piano fantasies.

Festivals For All Senses

Austria’s diverse cultural offerings include over 200 festivals, stretching from world scale events to small regional gatherings. Many of them make use of Austria’s beautiful surroundings, and most of them offer an outstanding culinary menu to accompany the cultural experience.

Joseph Haydn: Life and Works

Austrian composer Joseph Haydn was a much loved person, esteemed by his contemporaries, diligent, humorous, affable, and a straight shooter who was not spoiled by his steep climb from humble conditions into the highest social circles.

200 Years of Franz Liszt

More than 200 years ago, Franz Liszt created an entirely new genre of piano music and a groundbreaking compositional style. Guided by his vision of transporting his ideas out into the world, Liszt soon became a cosmopolitan due to his extensive concert tours throughout all of Europe, dazzling audiences with his unique performance style and virtuosity.

04.07.2013 - 14.07.2013 - Lockenhaus

Kammermusikfest Lockenhaus

This chamber music festival, which was named one of the world's two best festivals by the New York Times and classified as European cultural heritage, transforms the small town in central Burgenland into the hub of chamber music for two weeks every year.

A Vibrant Cultural Scene

Celebrate Gustav Klimt's 150th Birthday in Vienna, choose from over 200 festivals, or visit one of the world's most important museum collections. Experience the diversity of Austria's art and culture.

Austria's Top Events

Austria and culture are an inseparable unit, and the cultural programme is accordingly packed to the brim. Here is a selection of this year's top events that should undoubtedly not be missed when visiting Austria.

05.07.2013 - 07.07.2013 - Litschau

Schrammel.Klang.Festival

Festival in Litschau on Lake Herrensee. Music and theatre at the very heart of nature!

01.08.2013 - 11.08.2013 - Jennersdorf

J:Opera

Festival summer in Jennersdorf, Burgenland, with opera, children's performances and exhibitions.

29.05.2013 - 02.06.2013 - Graz

springfestival

Throughout springfestival, Graz's most unique spots are transformed into venues for electronic music and art, bringing together acclaimed live acts, DJ supremos, hip bands and emerging artists.

11.07.2013 - 04.08.2013 - Erl

Tyrolean Festival Erl

Since 1998, a festival with international standards, mainly with visitors from German-speaking areas, but also from other parts of Europe or even the USA and Japan. The Tyrolean Festival Erl is not just any music festival.

Wiener Festwochen

This festival is a firmly-established high-point of the Vienna cultural calender, offering exciting theatre productions as well as a great number of orchestra concerts, recitals and chamber music performances.

Bregenzer Festspiele

Bregenz is different. An opera festival with two stages: a traditional opera house, home to less-known operas, and an open-air lakeside stage, where productions are held in the most spectacular fashion.

Carinthian Summer

A highly attractive combination of culture and nature is offered by the Carintian Summer music festival in the area surrounding Carinthia's Lake Ossiach each year.

Jazzfestival Saalfelden

The mountain range of the Steinernes Meer, lush green meadows and a lake form the picturesque backdrop of Europe's most important festival of contemporary jazz.

Salzburger Festspiele

First held in 1920, the Salzburg Festival is one of the cultural highlights of the year. Alongside the regular residency of the Vienna Philharmonic, musicians and ensembles of the highest calibre fill the alpine city with music and drama.

Musikfestival Grafenegg

A classical music festival in a romantic setting. Grafenegg offers the historical backdrop for musical masterpieces from past centuries.

21.06.2013 - 21.07.2013 - Graz

Styriarte 2012

The Styriarte Festival encourages a rediscovery of long-lost variations of our musical heritage, and mirrors today’s wealth of exciting approaches to Early Music and music between the Middle Ages and Romanticism.

05.09.2013 - 22.09.2013 - Eisenstadt

International Haydn Festival

In 2013 the Haydn Festival Eisenstadt celebrates 25 years of International Haydn Days. The 25th anniversary season will take place at Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt, Austria, from 5th to 22nd of September 2013.

25.01.2013 - 22.10.2013 - Raiding

Liszt Festival Raiding

Franz Liszt was one of the most dazzling musical personalities of the Romantic era and the composer of a gigantic oeuvre. Every year his birthplace of Raiding in Burgenland celebrates Liszt's immense talent with a number of tributes.

Take a Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg

Salzburg may be home to Mozart and all things baroque, but for an astounding 70% of overseas visitors The Sound of Music remains the primary reason for travel to the city.

Musical Tours the UK

Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End London production of The Sound of Music has earned impressive reviews from both theater goers and critics right from its opening night on 15th November 2006 at London's Palladium. Now fans outside of London have their chance to see this beloved musical as the production continues its UK tour.

Stay Overnight at the 'Von Trapps'

A must-stay for all Sound of Music fans! The former Salzburg home of the real von Trapp family has opened its doors for overnight stays.

Berg, Alban (1885 - 1935)

Bruckner, Anton (1824 - 1896)

Einem, Gottfried von (1918 - 1996)

Haydn, Joseph (1732 - 1809)

Kálmán, Emmerich (1882 - 1953)