Category Archives: Vienna’s Musical History

“On the Beautiful Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss, Jr.

On the Beautiful Blue Danube is one of the world’s most beloved pieces of music. Its charm has delighted listeners for more than a century. But, for all its wonder, it had a rather unusual beginning. In the 1860’s, Strauss … Continue reading

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The Unique Story of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

“A grand performance of a new work” is how a prominent Viennese musical newspaper announced a concert of music by Beethoven. Another paper wrote that “anyone whose heart beats warmly for greatness and beauty will surely be present.” It was … Continue reading

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Madonna Visits Vienna’s “Mozarthaus”

Yesterday, Madonna, her daughter Lourdes, and some band members visited Mozarthaus Vienna, the museum which was the composer’s residence from 1784 to 1787. I’m glad she was drawn to see where Mozart, who some considered the equivalent of a great … Continue reading

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Email from Ondrej Jajcaj, Grave Robber

In my interest in learning more about how the teeth of Johannes Brahms and Johann Strauss, Jr. were stolen, I emailed Mr. Ondrej Jajcaj, who had posted a video claiming to be the robber and who had responded to my … Continue reading

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Strauss’s and Brahms’s Stolen Teeth – July 13 update

A colleague of mine who works for the Vienna City Government just verified that the graves of Johann Strauss, Jr. and Johannes Brahms were opened in both 2008 and 2012. The teeth of these composers were missing in both instances. … Continue reading

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Brahms’s and Johann Strauss’s Teeth Stolen!

A bizarre event in the musical world occurred in the last few days. Authorities in Austria have reported that someone broke into the graves of Brahms and Johann Strauss, Jr. in Vienna’s Central Cemetery and stole their teeth. The self-confessed … Continue reading

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The Strange Story of Haydn’s Missing Skull

In 1820, Prince Esterhazy ordered that Haydn’s remains be transferred from Vienna to Eisenstadt.  One of the biggest surprises in all of music must have been when the coffin was opened and Haydn’s skull was missing.  The story of the … Continue reading

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Day 10 – Historic Instruments and a Modern Orchestra

Wednesday in Vienna, our last full day here, started with historic instruments and ended with a performance by a wonderful orchestra. The Collection of Ancient Musical Instruments is a large museum of instruments from Antiquity to Today. The strength of … Continue reading

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Day 9 – Beethoven’s Life in Heiligenstadt

I led the students on my favorite part of the trip itinerary on Tuesday in Vienna. We take public transportation to the northernmost district of the city, right on the edge of the Vienna Woods. The village of Heiligenstadt is … Continue reading

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Day 8 – Cemeteries and Schoenberg

Monday in Vienna started with one of the most moving things I can imagine doing: visiting the graves of the great composers. In the Central Cemetery, one can stand in front of the final resting places of Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, … Continue reading

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