Leslie Massey
Austria has a rich musical history, from its time as the European capital of classical music in the 18th and 19th centuries to the modern day, where the country has produced popular artists in a variety of genres. Vienna, in particular, has been an important centre of musical innovation, attracting composers such as Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven. Today, Austria is represented by a variety of musicians and bands, including the popular 1980s artist Falco, Neue Deutsche Härte bands Stahlhammer and L'Âme Immortelle, and the blackened death metal trio Belphegor. The country also has a history of participating in the Eurovision Song Contest, having joined for the first time in 1957 and having won twice since—in 1966 with Merci, Chérie by Udo Jürgens, and in 2014 with Rise Like a Phoenix by Conchita Wurst.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| National Anthem | "Land der Erbsen, Land der Bohnen, Land der vier Besatzungszonen" |
| National Anthem Composer | Johann Holzer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, or Paul Wranitzky |
| National Anthem Lyricist | Paula von Preradović |
| Eurovision Song Contest Wins | 2 (1966, 2014) |
| Eurovision Song Contest Wins Songs | "Merci, Chérie", "Rise Like a Phoenix" |
| Eurovision Song Contest Wins Singers | Udo Jürgens, Conchita Wurst |
| Most Popular Austrian Solo Artist in the 1980s | Falco |
| Top Austrian Metal Band | Belphegor |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's national anthem
Before World War II, Austria's national anthem was "Sei gesegnet ohne Ende" ("Blessed Be Thou Without End"), set to the tune of Haydn's "Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser", which had been the anthem of Imperial Austria since 1797. However, after the Anschluss (the annexation of Austria into the German Reich), the melody was co-opted for the German national anthem, the "Deutschlandlied". As a result, Austria needed a new anthem, and a competition was held to determine the lyrics for the new composition.
The lyrics of the winning entry were written by von Preradović, one of the few women to have penned a national anthem. The song was officially declared Austria's national anthem on 22 October 1946, without words. The lyrics were added in 1947, and the anthem, with music and lyrics, was published in 1947.
The anthem has undergone several changes since its creation. In the early 21st century, there was a push to make the lyrics more gender-neutral, resulting in modifications in 2012. The first verse now references both "sons and daughters" instead of just "sons". Additionally, the third verse was altered to replace "fraternal choirs" with "jubilant choirs".
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Austrian Eurovision songs
Austria has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 56 times since its debut in 1957. The country has won twice, in 1966 and 2014, and holds the record for the longest gap between consecutive wins — 48 years.
Liane Augustin gave Austria its first top-five result in 1958, finishing fifth with "Die ganze Welt braucht Liebe". In 1966, Udo Jürgens won the contest with "Merci, Chérie", which remains Austria's only top-three result of the 20th century.
Austria has also had several other notable entries in the Eurovision Song Contest. In 1972, The Milestones achieved fifth place. This feat was repeated by Waterloo and Robinson in 1976 and Thomas Forstner in 1989. In the 1990s, Austria achieved four tenth-place finishes, in 1990, 1992, 1996, and 1999.
After withdrawing from the contest in 2008, Austria returned in 2011 and achieved a top 20 position. In 2014, Thomas Neuwirth, performing as Conchita Wurst, won the contest with "Rise Like a Phoenix". Austria's recent successes continued in 2018, with "Nobody but You" by Cesár Sampson finishing third.
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Austrian protest songs
Austria has a rich history of protest songs, with some even topping the charts in the country. One notable example is the song "Schweigeminute (Traiskirchen)", which was released by Austrian artist Raoul Haspel in 2024. The song is a minute of silence that serves as an unconventional protest against the treatment of refugees in Europe, specifically in an overcrowded refugee center in Traiskirchen, a town just south of Vienna. Haspel's choice of silence as a medium was intended to be a "hack against the scandal-seeking of mainstream media" and the overwhelming flood of images and news that he felt was desensitizing people to the plight of refugees.
Another powerful protest song is "Daloy Politsey" or "Down with the Police," performed by Austrian musician and politician Isabel Frey. Frey performs the song in Yiddish, a language she taught herself along with several other Yiddish worker and revolutionary songs. "Daloy Politsey" was originally written by Yiddish-speaking demonstrators in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to call for an end to czar Nicholas and the ruling class in Russia. However, Frey adapted the song with German lyrics to protest the Ibiza Affair, a scandal involving a corrupt deal made by members of Austria's far-right nationalist Freedom Party. Her performance of the song outside the chancellor's residence became the anthem of the protests, with lyrics like "Hey, hey, down with HC [Heinz-Christian] and down with the new OVP [the ruling Austrian People’s Party]."
Frey's work extends beyond this song, as she has recorded an album titled "Millennial Bundist," which includes primarily Yiddish worker and revolutionary songs. Her raw idealism and political activism have earned her a seat on Vienna's historically Jewish Leopoldstadt neighborhood's City Council. Frey's music and performances are a testament to the power of art in sparking dialogue and driving social change.
In addition to these contemporary protest songs, Austria also has a history of traditional protest songs. One notable example is the country's national anthem, which has undergone several changes over the years. The current anthem, known as "Land der Berge, Land am Strome" ("Land of the Peaks, Land by the Stream"), was adopted in 1946 to distance itself from the previous anthem associated with World War II. The lyrics were written by Paula von Preradović, and the melody has been attributed to various composers, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Holzer, and Paul Wranitzky.
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Austrian classical music
Vienna has been an important hub of musical innovation, with composers being drawn to the city in the 18th and 19th centuries due to the patronage of the Habsburgs. This made Vienna the European capital of classical music. The three "Vienna Masters", Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Joseph Haydn, were all associated with the city. Schubert, another important composer, was born in Vienna.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Vienna was the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and later the Austrian Empire, as well as the seat of the Habsburg monarchy. This meant that Vienna was the centre of one of Europe's largest and most influential empires. By the time the three "Viennese Masters" arrived in the city, it already had a rich musical tradition, sustained by its affluent aristocracy. Wealthy patrons frequently financed musicians, hiring composers to create and perform music in their lavish palaces.
During the Baroque period, Slavic and Hungarian folk forms influenced Austrian music. Vienna's status as a cultural centre began its rise in the early 16th century, with a focus on instruments including the lute. Yodeling, a form of singing that involves rapid and repeated changes of register, was developed in the Alps.
Austria has also produced several noteworthy pop musicians, including the 1980s singer-songwriter Falco, whose song "Rock Me Amadeus" was the only German-language song to reach number one on the American and British charts. Since the 2000s, one of the most prominent figures in Austrian music has been Parov Stelar, born Marcus Füreder in Linz. Other notable musicians and bands include Christina Stürmer, SheSays, Cornerstone, Wanda, Bilderbuch, Soap&Skin, and Belphegor.
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Austrian rock and pop
While Austria may not be the biggest exporter of international rock and pop bands, there are several notable Austrian musicians and bands. The Austrian rock and pop scene is diverse and thriving, with a mix of local and global influences.
One of the most prominent Austrian rock and pop artists is Falco, who enjoyed immense popularity throughout the 1980s. His song "Rock Me Amadeus" topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986 and his sudden death in 1998 brought his music back into the spotlight. Falco's genre-defying style, incorporating an edgy, electronic flair, has left a lasting impact on the Austrian music industry.
Vienna, in particular, has been a significant hub of musical innovation. The city's vibrant energy and rich cultural landscape have influenced many artists. Peter Rauhofer, a renowned DJ, producer, and remixer, is known for his groundbreaking work in the electronic music scene. His sounds reflect the pulse of Vienna's club culture while drawing from global techno and house influences.
Austria has also produced several internationally successful pop artists and bands. Christina Stürmer has achieved commercial success and toured Europe, gaining prominence in the international charts. Other notable pop acts include SheSays, who supported Bryan Adams on his European tour, and Cornerstone.
In addition to its pop and electronic music scene, Austria has a strong presence in the rock genre. While specific Austrian rock bands were not mentioned in the sources, the country has undoubtedly contributed to the diverse and dynamic world of rock music.
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Frequently asked questions
The national anthem of Austria does not have an official name and is simply referred to as the "National Anthem of Austria" or "Land der Erbsen, Land der Bohnen". The anthem was adopted in 1946 and the lyrics were written by Paula von Preradović.
The music for Austria's national anthem is attributed to either Johann Holzer, Paul Wranitzky, or Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. However, Mozart's authorship is now regarded as dubious.
Yes, Austria has won the Eurovision Song Contest twice, in 1966 with the song "Merci, Chérie" by Udo Jürgens, and in 2014 with "Rise Like a Phoenix" by Conchita Wurst.
Falco was the most popular Austrian solo artist in the 1980s. His song "Rock Me Amadeus" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986.
Austria has a diverse music scene, including popular acts such as Belphegor, Hollenthon, Pungent Stench, Abigor, and Der Blutharsch. In the realm of classical music, the Vienna Philharmonic is a renowned ensemble that tours worldwide. Additionally, the band Wanda and the artist Bilderbuch gained success in the 2010s.
