The Sound Of Music And More: Austria's Cultural Icons

Austria is a country with a rich history and culture, located in the heart of Europe. It is known for its stunning Alpine scenery, its musical heritage, and its delicious cuisine. When thinking of Austria, one might picture the majestic Alps, which cover around 60% of the country's landscape, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. However, Austria is perhaps most famously associated with classical music and has been a centre of European musical life for centuries. The country has produced several renowned composers, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Johann Strauss Jr. Vienna, the capital, has long been an important hub for musical innovation, attracting composers with its vibrant artistic environment. Beyond music, Austria is also known for its mouth-watering dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, Sacher Torte, and Apfelstrudel.

Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the most influential and prolific composers of the Classical period. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music. Born in Salzburg, which was then an independent state of the Catholic Church, Mozart is most associated with Austria. However, the modern nation of Austria did not exist during his lifetime, and Salzburg did not become part of the Austrian Empire until 1805, over a decade after Mozart's death.

During his travels, Mozart held positions in Paris, Mannheim, and Munich, and it was during this time that he wrote his five violin concertos, Sinfonia Concertante, and Concerto for Flute and Harp, among other works. In 1781, while visiting Vienna, Mozart was dismissed from his Salzburg position and decided to stay in the city. Although he achieved fame in Vienna, he struggled financially. It was in Vienna that Mozart composed several notable works, including the opera "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" and a number of symphonies and piano concertos.

In 1786, Mozart returned to opera writing and collaborated with the librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte on "Le nozze di Figaro", which premiered in Vienna to great acclaim. This was followed by another successful collaboration with Da Ponte, "Don Giovanni", which premiered in Prague in 1787. Mozart also met Joseph Haydn around this time, and the two composers became friends.

The Sound of Music

The 1965 film adaptation of 'The Sound of Music' was shot in and around Salzburg, Austria, and the city has become synonymous with the film. The movie was based on the true story of Maria von Trapp, who began her career as a novice at the Benedictine monastery in Salzburg. The city's idyllic scenery and rich cultural history provided the perfect backdrop for the film, attracting over 300,000 visitors each year to the original shooting locations.

The production used a variety of locations across the city, including the Mirabell Palace and its gardens, where the "Do-Re-Mi" scene was filmed, and the palace's Pegasus fountain, which featured in the choreography for "Do-Re-Mi" and "I Have Confidence". The Benedictine monastery, where Maria started her journey, was also used for filming. The nuns sang "Maria" in the courtyard, and the children came to the abbey's gate to ask Maria to return home.

The original Trapp family home, Villa Trapp, was located in Aigen, southeast of Salzburg. However, two different locations were used in the film to represent the villa. The exterior shots were taken at Castle Frohnburg on the Hellbrunner Allee, while the interior scenes were filmed at Villa Leopoldskron. The neighbouring lake was also used for the scene where the children fall out of a boat. The famous gazebo from the film, where Maria and Georg's romantic love scene and the duet "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" were filmed, has been relocated to the gardens of Hellbrunn Castle, making it more accessible to fans.

Other notable locations include the Residenzplatz, where "I Have Confidence" was filmed, and the Felsenreitschule, a riding school built into the mountain, where the singing competition and escape plans were filmed. The parish church of Mondsee, located outside of Salzburg, was the setting for the wedding scene. The town of Werfen and the Hohenwerfen Fortress provided the backdrop for "Do-Re-Mi", with the impressive Untersberg mountain appearing in the opening and closing scenes.

The success of "The Sound of Music" not only brought worldwide fame to Salzburg but also showcased the beauty and cultural significance of the region. The film's impact has endured, and it remains a beloved classic that continues to draw fans to the picturesque locations where it was made.

Vienna

Early History of Vienna

The first recorded settlement in Vienna was a Roman military camp established in the 1st century AD. Known as Vindobona, the settlement was strategically located along the Danube River and served as a crucial hub for trade and commerce. In the 5th century, the Roman Empire began to decline, and Vienna became part of the Bavarian Empire. During the medieval period, Vienna was ruled by the Babenberg dynasty, which played an important role in the development of the city. Under their rule, Vienna became a centre of trade, religion, and culture. The city grew in size and prosperity, and several important buildings were constructed, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, which still stands today.

In the late 13th century, Vienna became part of the Habsburg dynasty, one of Europe's most powerful royal families. The Habsburgs ruled Vienna for over six centuries, during which time the city experienced significant growth and expansion. The Habsburgs built numerous palaces and castles, which still form the backbone of Vienna's architectural heritage.

During the Habsburg rule, Vienna became a hub of political and cultural power. The city was home to several influential artists, musicians, and philosophers, and it was also a centre of innovation and scientific discovery. The Habsburgs were patrons of the arts and supported many cultural institutions, such as the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna State Opera.

The 19th century was a time of significant change for Vienna and the rest of Europe. The city underwent rapid industrialization and experienced important political and social changes. Despite the challenges, this period saw a flourishing of classical music and culture that further cemented Vienna's place as a leading centre of European culture.

World War II marked a dark chapter in the history of Vienna. The Nazi occupation of Austria in 1938, known as the Anschluss, had a profound impact on the city and its people. Vienna became part of the Nazi empire, and the city was rapidly transformed by the new regime. Propaganda, anti-Semitic laws, and censorship were introduced to control the population, and the persecution of Vienna's Jewish community began. Over 60,000 Jews lived in Vienna before the war, and many were sent to concentration camps, including Auschwitz. Those who remained in Vienna were subjected to forced labour, expropriation of property, and public humiliation. The synagogue in the city centre was destroyed during the November pogroms in 1938, a turning point in the persecution of Jews in Austria.

After World War II, Vienna faced the challenge of rebuilding and restructuring its economy and society. Despite the difficulties, Vienna emerged as a thriving city with a vibrant cultural scene. The city's strong industrial base and robust construction industry played a major role in its post-war prosperity. Additionally, the city became an important centre for international relations, hosting numerous international organizations and diplomatic missions. Vienna also played a key role in the development of the European Union, as it became one of the main locations for EU meetings and negotiations.

Modern-Day Vienna

Today, Vienna is known as the "City of Music" and continues to flourish as a cultural hub in Europe. The city's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its numerous museums, galleries, and theatres, attracting millions of tourists every year. Vienna's diversified economy is largely driven by the service sector, and the city is home to several international organizations, including the United Nations Office and the International Atomic Energy Agency. In recent years, Vienna has also emerged as a leader in the fields of technology and innovation, attracting startups and tech companies.

Skiing

Austria is known for its ski resorts, which are as big, snow-sure, and well-groomed as any in France or Switzerland, but tend to be cheaper. Transfer times are often shorter, snowmaking is first-class, and the lift systems are among the world's fastest.

Some of the best places to ski in Austria include:

• Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, SalzburgerLand and Tirol: This is one of the biggest ski areas in the world, with 270 km of pistes, 71 modern lifts, and 60 chalets, bars, and pubs. Fieberbrunn hosts the Freeride World Tour every winter, Saalbach is home to Rave on Snow (the world's biggest winter festival of electronic music), and Saalfelden Leogang's annual cross-country ski marathon attracts professionals and amateurs alike.
• Arlberg: A favourite among celebrities, royalty, and gourmets, Arlberg is one of the largest contiguous ski areas in Austria.
• Zell am See-Kaprun, SalzburgerLand: This gorgeous lakeside town is an hour away from Salzburg Airport. Zell am See shares a lift pass with the picturesque Kaprun, and there are gondolas and chairlifts straight from Zell am See's centre to the 2,000-metre Schmittenhöhe mountain.
• Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau, Tirol: Just 45 km from Innsbruck, Ski Juwel is formed of two Tirolean ski resorts—Alpbach (known as Austria's prettiest village) and Wildschönau. Families are well catered for, with a generous beginner's area, and there's also a park for freestylers and boarders.
• St. Johann in Tirol: An exceptionally family-friendly ski region with 40 km of slopes and outstanding conditions for a ski holiday. There's a great variety of pistes catering to all skill levels, and 18 mountain huts and inns serving traditional Austrian cuisine, gourmet menus, and other local delicacies.
• Innsbruck: The 'capital of the Alps' has hosted the Winter Olympics three times. The Ski Plus City Pass gives you access to 13 ski areas as well as 22 city sights, pools, and public transport. Innsbruck also has world-class restaurants, beautiful architecture, and a rich cultural life.
• Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, Tirol: At 2,962 m, the Zugspitze mountain is the tallest in the area. Seven ski resorts, 214 km of slopes, and 89 lifts are connected by free buses and covered by the Top Snow Card. There are ski courses and camps for children, and free ski passes for under 6-year-olds.
• Obertauern, SalzburgerLand: This resort at an altitude of 1,740 m boasts some of the most reliable snow conditions in Austria, with excellent skiing from late November through early May.
• Sölden / Ötztal, Tirol: Skiing in the Ötztal Arena goes up to 3,249 m above sea level, with nearly 150 km of ski pistes and panoramic views of 3,000 m peaks.
• SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, Tirol: One of the largest, most modern, and ecological ski resorts in Austria, with 270 km of groomed slopes, 22 ski schools, and more than 80 family-run, cosy mountain huts and restaurants.

Other notable mentions include St. Anton, Lech, Mayrhofen, Obergurgl, Kitzbühel, Serfaus Fiss Ladis, Söll, and Zürs.

Schnitzel

The German word "das schnitzel" is a diminutive of "snitz", meaning "slice". Wiener schnitzel is a popular Viennese dish made of veal and traditionally garnished with a slice of lemon and either potato salad or potatoes with parsley and butter. In Austria and Germany, Wiener Schnitzel must be made of veal. When other meats are used, it can be called Wiener Schnitzel vom Schwein/Pute/Huhn ("Viennese schnitzel of pig/turkey/chicken") or Schnitzel (nach) Wiener Art ("Schnitzel Viennese style").

In Austria, serving Wiener Schnitzel with sauce is considered unacceptable. A common variation of the dish is made with pork instead of veal, as pork is cheaper. Austrian law requires that Wiener Schnitzel is made of veal. A schnitzel made of pork can be called Wiener Schnitzel vom Schwein ("Wiener schnitzel from pork") or Schnitzel Wiener Art ("Viennese-style schnitzel").

Popular unbreaded variants in Austria include:

• Jägerschnitzel ("hunter's schnitzel"), a schnitzel with mushroom sauce
• Rahmschnitzel ("cream schnitzel"), a schnitzel with a cream sauce, often containing mushrooms
• Zigeunerschnitzel ("Gypsy schnitzel"), a schnitzel with a zigeuner sauce containing tomatoes, bell peppers, and onion slices

Wiener Schnitzel is one of the best-known specialties of Viennese cuisine and is one of the national dishes of Austria.

Frequently asked questions