Where ingenuity gave rise to new musical styles
In Vienna, the great composers of Viennese Classicism and later eras created something completely new, in their own innovative way. A room in the museum is dedicated to each of them.
Viennese Classicism and later eras
While it used to be customary to compose for God and aristocratic rulers, Viennese classical music broke with this tradition.
Music is now being written for a wide audience. There is a radical change in art and society.
Joseph Haydn
Joseph Haydn became a world star. He is the oldest of the six composers presented on the 3rd 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 hymn he had written for Emperor Franz I (II) and even croak the words "Papa Haydn".
Wolfgang A. Mozart
Born in Salzburg, he was also drawn to Vienna - the world capital of music. Here he was able to develop his genius.
His life is a legend and provided plenty of material for posterity. A special flair surrounds his person.
Ludwig van Beethoven
He came from Bonn and moved to Vienna at the age of 22 to create famous symphonies. He wrote one of the most famous when he was already completely deaf: the 9th Symphony
He moved 68 times and was even arrested as a vagrant. Find out more about the headstrong composer!
Franz Schubert
The modest and reserved
man touched people with his more than expressive songs.
His life as an artist ended far too soon. He played music in a small circle. He literally had to be persuaded to give his first concert.
Johann Strauss
The composer from Vienna led the waltz to worldwide triumph. Born at the end of the Viennese classical period, he stood for the light music of his time.
He is said to have cut the locks of hair for his 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, lonely, 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.