My Wonderful Husband

God bless my wonderful husband! I have dragged him to countless churches (with more to go), homes, and grave sites of classical musicians than one should be allowed. He is very patient and even acts interested most of the time!

Here is a run down of our musical moments in Vienna.

Mozart: Although born in Salzburg (where we are headed next), party boy Mozart much preferred the big city life that Vienna offered. He lived most of his short life here in Vienna going from address to address, depending on how much money he had at the time. His most lavish apartment has been converted into a museum. Lavish at the end of 18th century Vienna is not very... It was drafty with babies stuck everywhere, servants sleeping in the kitchen, and no bathroom to speak of. How did he create masterpieces like the Requiem and the Magic Flute here? No idea. Too bad he did not live into his old age like Beethoven, Brahms or Haydn. Imagine the music we would have.

Haydn: I must admit I am not a huge Haydn fan. One of his big years is coming up next year, so I was trying to get psyched about having to sing the Creation twice. His quarters- even more luxury than those of Mozart- leave me quite confident that I was born in the appropriate century. I do enjoy modern conveniences. Haydn died in this house that we saw today. They have a piano that belonged to Haydn, as well as the manuscript of the beautiful Austrian hymn that Haydn wrote!

Brahms: In the Haydn house, they have a room dedicated to Brahms with things from the final apartment of Brahms. A piano (which once also belonged to Haydn), a composition desk (where possibly he composed his wonderful Requiem), and a cigar cabinet. Also, their is a photo of his apartment that shows a picture of our favorite composer hung prominently on the wall... Brahms and I both are hopelessly devoted to J. S. Bach.

Schubert: We also went to the childhood home of Schubert, Father of the German art song, or lied. He wrote the famous Ave Maria that everyone knows, hundreds of other voice-piano duets, as well as several masses and an Unfinished Symphony. All this and died at 32. Another case where him living to old age would have resulted in who knows what for the history of music. The church where he was baptized, was a choir boy, played the organ and violin for decades, and premiered most of his sacred works is lovely.

Beethoven: We did not visit any residences of Beethoven, but he did live and work here. Our hotel is just down the street from the church where his funeral was held. The apartment still stands where he wrote most of the 9th Symphony, although it is not a museum. (Sort of like the place where Schubert wrote most of his stuff is now a Garage.) We did visit the graves of Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, and Strauss Jr. Steve says that he wants to be standing in that very location during the next zombie apocalypse--with a video camera and three pianos! My silly (and most patient) husband...

Thank goodness for Steve, we did spot the brewery last night on the way back from the cemetery (the first time). We had a wonderful Austrian meal complete with Vienna sausages (nothing like the things in a can from childhood), herb schnitzel, and beer that I liked as much as Steve liked the brewery beer in Prague. Had to go back today to have it again (on the second and final cemetery run).

I will let Steve share with you about the fantastic confectionery experience this afternoon...