The music: Shubert, Mahler y Johann Strauss II
Vienna developed its sense of nationalism through the arts, with a special emphasis on music. Austria was the birthplace of great composers such as Franz Schubert, Gustav Mahler and Johann Strauss II, key figures of the late 19th century. The Vienna Opera and the Burgtheater became the perfect places to enjoy the innovative musical offerings of these three masters, as well as becoming the go-to social hubs for the Viennese upper class and the emerging bourgeoisie.
Schubert stood out as the main romantic Viennese composer, leaving an impressive legacy of around 1500 pieces. His work was particularly fundamental to the up and coming Post-Romance artists.
Mahler, a great admirer of Schubert’s work, became the Director of the Orquestra, as well as being a close friend of Gustav Klimt. For his part, Strauss, who was known as the “king of the waltz”, achieved great popularity thanks to his role as Musical Director of the Court Ball, which allowed his music to reach the upper echelons of high society and royalty alike.