Where to find Harmony along the Danube for Music Lovers
Visit the Geniuses of Classical Music in cities along the Danube River
Central Europe is home to some of the most-renowned musical geniuses during the Classical music era from 1600 – 1820. Vivaldi, Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven, and Strauss to name a few are considered on the “A” list of musicians. They are masterminds who gifted the world some of the best musical compilations, who lived and performed them along the Danube River.
Some not-to-be-missed locations for finding harmony in Central Europe include:
The Hungarian Royal Opera House – located in the stunning central Pest region of Budapest, this venue is considered a masterpiece of Hungarian culture with the best musical acoustics in all of Europe. The Opera House was built by Austrian-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I in the neo-Renaissance style
Mozart House, Salzburg – one of the most visited museums in Austria was the birthplace of the biggest celebrity of the Classical era, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salzburg located in the Austrian Alps is where the genius began his journey into a life of music and madness. Explore the museum which will take you into Mozart’s world and includes viewing many of his personal belongings.
Melk Abbey – This church is a UNESCO World Heritage site that was the center of monastic life in Germany and Austria from the 10th to 17th century. While it is worth visiting for the beautiful frescoes, the Abbey’s connection to music are within the archives that house manuscript copies of original pieces by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Make the most out of your visit by enjoying a chorale concert featuring selections of Mozart, Bach, and Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus”.
Vienna State Opera House – the Wiener Staatsoper is at the heart of a musical experience in Vienna. Considered one of the most important Opera houses in the world, it offers tours daily for a first-hand experience of its breathtaking Renaissance revival style. Still, an active music hall if the opportunity arises an orchestral or opera performance is a must-do when visiting the city of music.
Vienna Boys Choir – a highlight of a Viennese experience, the city’s Boys Choir sings on Sundays at the Holy Mass in Hofburg Chapel between June and September. Joined by members of the male choir from the Vienna State Opera house and the Vienna Philharmonic, hear your favorite Austrian composers like Mozart and Bach accompanied by chorale tunes.
Considered the Music Capital of the World for 250 years, music-based experiences in Vienna are plentiful. Mozarthaus, the former family home to Mozart until his death is where he created many of his well-known symphonies, concertos, and portions of his final piece, the Requiem. If you are a Beethoven fan, walk-in his footsteps visiting the composer’s former home. Enjoy a Beethovian musical experience in his former apartment, at the House of Music. Then, complete your music tour at the final resting places of Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, and Strauss at the Vienna Central Cemetery.
The capital cities along the Danube river have been an inspiration to musical geniuses, so explore them for yourself on a seven-night Danube river cruise dedicated to a celebration of classical music. Starting in Budapest and traveling Hungary, into Slovakia, and through Austria, this harmonious journey is a blast from the past as you learn about the most esteemed melodies in the world.
BucketList Travel Advisors is a river cruise specialist who can guide you in an immersive river itinerary. Discover more about traveling the Danube and the many rivers of Europe.