Theme 2012

Asked about the »Heart of Europe«, any musician or music lover will identify the triangle between Vienna, Budapest and Prague, without reservations and with a deep bow, acknowledging how many wonderworks of music this area has brought forth. Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Dvořák, Smetana, Schönberg, Bartók, Ligeti … the list could go on for quite a while. They all received their musical formation in these three metropolises. However, musical genius alongside the Danube is equally unthinkable without »gypsy music« and Bohemian, Hungarian and Austrian folk musicians! In this »marriage of influences«, the lust for life and vitality of the simple people was combined with the intellectual elites of the grand cities – a love affair resulting in great masterworks of music.

The Habsburgs and their obsession with culture are only partially responsible for this creative volcano. Upon closer examination, the constant threat of destruction that hung over the pomp and glory of these imperial towns was just as strong a force. Of all monarchs, it was Maria Theresia’s ascension to the throne that signaled the end of the so-called »golden era« at the Viennese court. The number of musicians was reduced from 130 to 20 and the court orchestra was rented. And yet, it also marks the beginning of the Viennese Classical Period. And the morbid collapse of the k. u. k. monarchy became a source of inspiration for the late romanticists and the birth of modernism in music. Its strong heart has given the musical Titan Europe the reputation of being the »cradle of music« to this day. Whether imperial splendor, the French Revolution, romanticism or the industrial revolution – between the Danube and the Vltava Rivers, everything was turned into music, and shines forth to this day for all mankind.

Jan Vogler