Where ingenuity gave rise to new musical styles
In Vienna, the great composers of the Viennese Classical period and later eras created something entirely new, each in their own innovative way. A room in the museum is dedicated to each of them.
Viennese Classicism and later periods
While it was once customary to compose for God and the noble rulers, Viennese Classicism broke with this tradition.
Now music is being written for a broad audience. There is a transformation taking place in art and society.
Joseph Haydn
Joseph Haydn became a global star. He is the oldest of the six composers featured on the third floor. He was born in the late Baroque period and is considered the "inventor" of the string quartet.
He also became famous for his 104 (!) symphonies and other works. His parrot could whistle the anthem he had written for Emperor Franz I (II) and even squawk the words "Papa Haydn".
Wolfgang A. Mozart
Even this native of Salzburg was drawn to Vienna – the world capital of music. Here he was able to unleash his genius.
His life is legendary and has provided much material for posterity. A special aura surrounds him.
Ludwig van Beethoven
He came from Bonn and moved at the age of 22 to compose famous symphonies. He wrote one of his most famous works, the Ninth Symphony
He moved 68 times and was even arrested as a vagrant. Learn more about this eccentric composer!
Franz Schubert
The modest and reserved
man touched people with his highly expressive songs.
His artistic career ended far too soon. He performed in small circles. He practically had to be persuaded to give his first concert.
Johann Strauss
The Viennese composer led the waltz to worldwide triumph. Born at the end of the Viennese Classical period, he represented the popular music of his time.
He is said to have cut the locks of hair for his female admirers from a poodle.
Gustav Mahler
Nature, the lake, and the forest served as his home and refuge. There, surrounded by flowers and birds, he was happy, solitary, in his element, alone with himself and the music.
Gustav Mahler was not only a passionate composer, but also a conductor and director of the Vienna Court Opera.