Vienna: A City of Music

[smallhobbit]

One of the reasons for our visiting Vienna was its musical history.  And how could we not see Vienna without going to see the Beautiful Blue Danube:



Sadly, Herr Strauss was mistaken, for it was pouring with rain, but we found a road bridge across the river which had a convenient overhang for the cycle track.  We, along with the few other pedestrians (none of whom appeared to be tourists) turned into cyclists without cycles.



But this was at the beginning of our last full day in the city.  The first morning we had been to see the home of the composer many would see as one of the greatest, Mozart Haus:



On our second day, after we had visited the Belvedere we went to the Stadtpark, which was very pretty:



And we spotted the statues of Johann Strauss II, Franz Lehar, Bruckner and Schubert:





SM is a great fan of Schubert's Leider and we found an excellent music shop where he purchased the score for a complete song cycle.

After the park we were debating where to go next and I suggested visiting somewhere BEETHOVEN had lived for some years.  We stopped on route for tea and cake, before visiting Beethoven's fourth floor appartment.  There weren't a great number of exhibits, but I didn't care because this was where my favourite composer had lived and created some of his greatest works.





I bought myself a souvenir, to be known as Ludwig van Loewethoven:



And so Vienna lived up to our expectations as regards music, art, cake and wine, and gave us lots more besides.

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Oh I am quite taken with Ludwig! He's precious. Glad you saw the river. I think I went to Mozart Haus, too; I recognise the sign.

[smallhobbit]

I don't normally go in for such items as Ludwig, but he was cute and it was from the Beethoven apparment, so I couldn't resist.

We made a point of getting the subway to the river, regardless of the weather - it was one of the things I really wanted to do in Vienna.

[howsmyenglish]

Ludwig van Loewethoven is very sweet!

I've visited Beethoven's "birth house" in Bonn - it's so... surreal almost: the very low ceiling, the very old furniture and items of everyday use. It literally takes you back into his time.

[smallhobbit]

I've not been to Bonn, but if I do I will definitely try to visit Beethoven's birth house. Something like that really does encourage the connection.

[howsmyenglish]

If you decide to go to Bonn, let me know! It's one of the cities I know best, I'd love to give you some tips!

[smallhobbit]

I will certainly do so :)

[moth2fic]

Ludwig is a lovely souvenir of a gorgeous city!

[smallhobbit]

Yes, he's a great memory of all we saw.

[solosundance]

Wow the Danube is very impressive, blue, grey or whatever!

And the Beethoven sheet music gives me the tingles - I would definitely visit that apartment if I was in the city. Heh, and I love the rather serious, long-suffering expression of Ludwig :D

[smallhobbit]

Definitely - we were pleased we'd made the trip to see it and walk part way over it (there's an island in the middle).

There's about three appartments where Beethoven lived at one point or another, but this was the closest and so worth visiting.

[scfrankles]

Sadly, Herr Strauss was mistaken, for it was pouring with rain... That did make me chuckle ^____^

How exciting to visit somewhere where Beethoven lived and worked. And Ludwig van Loewethoven is indeed adorable - I hope you manage to get him a miniature piano ^__^

[smallhobbit]

Before we went I had imagined seeing the Danube looking beautiful - when visibility is such you can only vaguely make out the next bridge it doesn't have quite the same romance to it.

I was thrilled to go to Beethoven's apartment.

[dariaw]

This sounds like an amazing trip! And wonderful pics :)

[smallhobbit]

It was a really good trip. I'm delighted you liked the photos.

[adafrog]

Cool!!

[smallhobbit]

Thank you.

[aome]

Oh, the Ludwig purchase is adorable!

I, too, am incredibly impressed by Beethoven. Mozart is a sentimental favourite because my father often played Eine Kleine Nachtmusik/Jupiter in the car, but to be able to compose so much while deaf - Beethoven was amazing!

[smallhobbit]

My mother was very fond of Mozart, and visiting the house was interesting, but the thrill really came from Beethoven's apartment.

[margaret_r]

What a wonderful end to your trip, and Ludwig is gorgeous:D

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - we had a great time.