All Vienna knows that the inhabitant of number 10 Seilerstatte is none other than Christopher Alt, piano maker, the best in Vienna, probably in all of Austria, and possiblly the world over. His piano keys have given life to melodies by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and many more. On his deathbed, moved by the wish to keep his children united, he leaves a will specifying that his descendants, if they are to get their inheritance, must live together in the family home. Over successive generations of the Alt family, history itself passes through the doors, down the halls, and into the private rooms of the Alt’s building. There is intrigue at the court of Franz-Josef: an heir to the throne has fallen in love with Henrietta Alt, who will have to carry the guilt for his eventual suicide. There are betrayals, beloved illegitimate children, and despised legitimate offspring. There are seething passions and icy relations, a world war and the rise of Nazism to contend with. There are duals, ambitions, hopes, affairs of the heart and affairs of state. Three generations of Alts live and die at number 10 Silerstatte and each member of the family, in his or or her own way, is a privileged witness to the winds of change and a Europe at the height of both its splendor and decadence

Everyone in Vienna knows that the inhabitant of number 10 Seilerstätte is none other than Christopher Alt, piano maker, the best in Vienna, probably in all of Austria, and possibly the world over. His piano keys have given life to melodies by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and many more. On his deathbed, moved by the wish to keep his children united, he leaves a will specifying that his descendants, if they are to get their inheritance, must live together in the family home. Over successive generations of the Alt family, history itself passes through the doors, down the halls, and into the private rooms of the Alt's building. There is intrigue at the court of Franz-Josef: an heir to the throne has fallen in love with Henrietta Alt, who will have to carry the guilt for his eventual suicide. There are betrayals, beloved illegitimate children, and despised legitimate offspring. There are seething passions and icy relations, a world war and the rise of Nazism to contend with. There are duals, ambitions, hopes, affairs of the heart and affairs of state. Three generations of Alts live and die at number 10 Seilerstätte and each, in his or her own way, is a privileged witness to the winds of change and a Europe at the height of both its splendor and decadence.

An imaginative story about Mozart's many inspirations, now in paperback! Wolfgang Mozart must compose a new piano concerto to perform at the famous Burgtheatre in Vienna. But Mozart can't think of a note to write. When he hears his hungry pet starling sing out melodiously, his creativity begins to flow. Before he can put notes to paper, however, his muse escapes through the window, and Mozart is off on a frantic search to bring her back. Will Mozart find both his friend and song in time? Based on a true story about the famous composer and his beloved pet starling, this enchanting tale celebrates inspiration in any form it takes.

Articulate and impassioned, sophisticated but never esoteric, Steinberg and Rothe offer invigorating reflections on music that will delight both the beginning and the seasoned listener.

Reveals how the culture and repertoire of the early Viennese ballroom permeated and intersected with other areas of musical life.

"Music and Song form an essential part in the daily life of the Viennese. Italian music, which was introduced in Vienna as early as the sixteenth century by the Austrian Court, by wandering minstrels, or by theatrical troupes, was welcomed everywhere and by everyone for its strong emotional force and beauty of melody. While at the Vienna Hofoper Italian operatic music prevailed by preference, the Italian songs of the commedia dell'arte were received enthusiastically by the populace of the gay capital. Such was the popularity of the songs of the commedia dell'arte that they became an important factor in the development of the Viennese Volksstück. At first one finds the musical element used sparingly in the course of this development, but, internal evidence in the texts of later plays shows a rapid increase in the use of music in the Volksstück. The present study necessarily involves a discussion of the questions, what are the functions of the musical element in the dramatic works of Viennese playwrights, and wherein lies the artistic worth of music to the play? ... The present abridged translation of the author's fuller study endeavors, therefore, to give, in a brief introductory form, the underlying factors which in a certain measure account for the particularly favorable conditions, which existed in Vienna, to encourage musical tradition, and, at the same time, to cause its application to the drama. Further, it endeavors to show that the musical element was not regarded by the playwrights of the Viennese Volksstück after Stranitzky) as an occasional and altogether unmotivated filler of their plays, but as an element with a specific dramatic purpose, e. g. to characterize, to interpret a certain action, to take the place of "asides," and the like. It concludes by attempting to estimate in what respect Grillparzer follows the general custom of his contemporary Viennese playrights in his use of the musical element, and wherein consists his contribution to artistic progress in the technique of the drama"--Introduction

With entries on topics ranging from non-Western instruments to distinctive rhythms of music from various countries, this one-stop resource on global music also promotes appreciation of other countries and cultural groups. A perfect resource for students and music enthusiasts alike, this expansive three-volume set provides readers with multidisciplinary perspectives on the music of countries and ethnic groups from around the globe. Students will find Music around the World: A Global Encyclopedia accessible and useful in their research, not only for music history and music appreciation classes but also for geography, social studies, language studies, and anthropology. Additionally, general readers will find the books appealing and an invaluable general reference on world music. The volumes cover all world regions, including the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and Asia and the Pacific, promoting a geographic understanding and appreciation of global music. Entries are arranged alphabetically. A preface explains the scope of the set as well as how to use the encyclopedia, followed by a brief history of traditional music and important current influences of music in each particular world region.