The Musical Masters And A Significant Fighting Force

photo : Beverley & Pack Set in the heart of Vienna is Austria’s first music museum. It houses the musical masters in what was the home of a significant fighting force in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Haus der Musik Using high tech multi-media presentations, the Haus der Musik is an innovative museum that not only tells the history of the great masters of music and their work, but also gives visitors the opportunity to experience both classical and modern music made by others – and themselves! The Haus der Musik opened in 2000 and has been hailed as an innovative concept in the museum world, especially in relation to making music of all genres available to everyone. Using interactive displays with light, sound and touch, visitors of all ages are able to enjoy the thrill of not only listening to top class musicians, but also being able to conduct them. The museum features the history and sounds of the world famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra as they play pieces from the latest New Years Eve concert and most recent summer night concert, in a specially recreated concert hall. Quality audio and large screen imagery gives the impression of being ‘up close’ with the orchestra. There’s even an opportunity to be a virtual conductor – great whilst you keep to the beat. But musicians without good leadership from the conductor tend to make their own kind of music, rather than that of the masters! For those with a penchant for the natural world, Haus der Musik also provides a unique opportunity to experience again the earliest sounds we hear – those of the womb. The human voice is celebrated, along with computer controlled exhibits that allow visitors to enjoy a range of musical instruments and their sound productions (both my boys studied for years to get Honour’s degrees in this – if only I’d know they could have done it whilst we were in Austria in one day!) And all this takes place in what was once the home of Archduke Charles, a significant fighting force in the late 18th – early 19th centuries. Archduke Charles of Austria (1771 – 1847) Considered one of Napoleon’s most formidable opponents and a fearsome fighter, Archduke Charles demonstrated an impressive ability to achieve brilliant victories in the face of almost certain defeat in battle. He was a hero of the French Revolution and Napoleonic war, helping safeguard Austria’s position as a major power in Europe. Adopted by his childless Aunt (Archduchess Marie Christine of Austria), Charles was raised to be a conservative, cautious and extremely competent warrior, whose reforming ways in peace time had a significant impact on the armed forces of the country (probably quite a boring bloke too!). His achievements are recognised by an equestrian statue in the ‘Heldenplatz’ (Heroes Square) situated next to the Hofberg Imperial Palace. The Palace of Archduke Charles is now the very grand home of the Haus der Musik and can be visited daily throughout the year for an experience that will “send your ears on a journey of discovery!” A Palatial Home for the Vienna Philaharmonic It was no chance thing that the Palace  was chosen as the home for this fine museum and showcase of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. In the 19th century it was the home of composer Otto Nicolai, the founder of the Orchestra! On the first floor of this magnificent ancient building you will find an exhibition and archives of the Vienna Philharmonic. The Palace is indeed a true music lovers labyrinth of pleasure.