Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss II – with native sons like these, it’s no wonder that classical music continues to reverberate through the streets of Austria – particularly Vienna.
Long considered the music capital of the world as well as the birthplace of the waltz, Vienna has inspired and influenced countless musicians and artists throughout the centuries.
Of course, Viennese music will always be synonymous with the classical period. From roughly 1750-1820, Vienna was the world’s glittering center of culture. The world’s most splendid composers were drawn to the allure of Vienna – including Ludwig van Beethoven from Germany (then known as the Holy Roman Empire). To this day, more famous composers have lived in Vienna than any other city. There are over 15,000 concert events of various sizes and genres each year, with roughly 10,000 music fans turning in for a live show of classical music each night and many more treated to wonderful concerts in classical Viennese concert cafés. The city is dotted with magnificent concert halls, showcasing an authentic history, with performers donning stunning costumes and performing operas from the 18th century as well as ballets and pop, rock and jazz music.
Let the music of Vienna move you – and be sure to join AmaWaterways for an optional classical concert in one of the truly great formal concert houses of Imperial Vienna – either the historic Hofburg Palace (the former imperial palace and current official residence and workplace of the President of Austria) or the opulent Palais Auersperg (built in the early 1700s, formerly the grand home of princes and various European families).
No matter which venue, you’ll be treated to an experience of a lifetime as you listen to a concert with some of the most popular compositions of Mozart and Strauss, as performed by local, world-class musicians (from the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra, the Vienna Residence Orchestra or similar). Imagine listening to music by the world’s greatest composers in the very venues that they were listened to during the time they were alive. Johann Strauss once served as musical director to the court for the balls at Hofburg Palace. Beethoven’s 8th Symphony premiered at the Palace. Mozart performed his opera Idomeneo at the Palais Auersperg. This is as authentic as it gets!
And afterwards, you’ll be treated to the Ringstrasse by night with an exhilarating ‘Illuminations’ tour. The Ringstrasse is home to numerous grand buildings, built during the latter half of the nineteenth century, including the State Opera, Parliament, City Hall, the Burgtheater, the Vienna Stock Exchange, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum. The already magnificent boulevard is at its most gorgeous when fully lit up.