The Vienna Philharmonic

The Vienna Philharmonic

Since 1842, no other orchestra has been so closely associated with the history and tradition of European classical music as the Vienna Philharmonic. From the very beginning, it has shaped musical history around the globe. The storied “Viennese Sound” is the feature that performers and conductors keep praising as the orchestra’s distinguishing quality.

The Viennese Sound: round and warm

What is the secret behind the fascinating sound audiences can’t get enough of? It is very likely more than the quality of the instruments, although they do play an important role as well, explains Karin Bonelli. She describes the vibrations that make up this extraordinary listening experience as a “blendable, round, warm sound.”

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It has deep roots in the musical consciousness of the Viennese tradition and is passed on within the orchestra from generation to generation.

The instruments are made in the tradition of the 18th century, the Vienna Classic period. The Vienna Philharmonic regard themselves as heirs of this period’s legacy and have largely omitted the innovations of the 19th century. They remained true to the sound ideals of Mozart’s, Haydn’s and Beethoven’s times. As a result, the Viennese wind instruments, to name just one example, differ from those of other international symphony orchestras in the style of play - especially the Viennese oboe and the Vienna horn.

The Orchestra’s History

The “Great Concert” from 1842, performed under the name of “Philharmonic Academy” is still widely regarded as the beginning of the orchestra. Until that moment, the city did not have a concert orchestra that consisted of professional musicians, even though the demand for the performance of symphonic works was high and had to be met by putting together special ensembles each time.

The orchestra members back then were also musicians of the Vienna State Opera (then the Court Opera). This has not changed over the years. The Vienna Philharmonic is an opera and concert orchestra. It performs in concert houses all over the world, but its home is the Vienna State Opera and the Musikverein. During the traditional summer break, when theatres in Vienna are closed, they perform at open-air events in the countryside and on the stages of the Salzburg Festival.