Vienna will be the location for a major rally this Sunday, February 27, 2022. Thousands will gather at the Heldenplatz (Heroes’ Square) under the banner of “Europe for Freedom – Together we stand for Dignity, Truth, and Humanity” to protest vaccine mandates and Europe’s descent into total digital control through a “health passport” system. Catherine will be speaking at this event, and all of us should join her in person or in spirit.
Austria being the first European country to introduce a nationwide vaccine mandate is a cultural and historical tragedy.
Our choice for Music of the Week, therefore, reminds us of the culture and beauty of this small country in the Alps, and of the higher education and artistic sensitivity of its citizenry. The “Blue Danube Waltz” by Johann Strauss II is widely regarded as the secret national anthem of Austria and is the single piece of music all Austrians use to celebrate the beginning of a new year: TV channels and radio stations, dance clubs and night bars, private parties and family homes… all of them will play this piece and literally have people “waltz” into the New Year.
Here we see a recording of the 2014 New Year’s Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Daniel Barenboim, along with ballet dancers from the Vienna State Opera.
The Vienna Philharmonic with its particular “Wiener Klangstil”—a unique tonal quality and performance style (including the “Vienna Horn”) different from other international orchestral styles—is regarded as one of the finest orchestras in the world.
As we listen, let us see music, culture, and humanity return to Europe and the world.
Related links:
Wiener Klangstil (Viennese orchestral style)
Europe for Freedom Rally in Vienna on Sunday, February 27, 2022
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