This book examines the impact of the daily life, political climate and artistic institutions of Vienna on its musicians and musical tastes between 1815 and 1830. Emphasis is given to Beethoven, Schubert, Paganini and Johann Strauss where their careers reflect typically Viennese musical life and when Viennese conventions may explain important turns in their lives. Attention is also paid to the incomes, service contracts and welfare of lesser-known musicians of the same period. An entire chapter is devoted to the regulation of music by the Austrian government, secret police and censors, since this period coincides with the height of Metternich's political power. Although the study is mainly intended for music historians and listeners, the book should also interest the Austrian, literary, theatre and political historian. Furthermore, the research presented here suggests that many of the intriguing questions and social issues in Vienna at the end of the nineteenth century, currently widely discussed by Schorske, Toulim and McGrath, are already present in Vienna in 1815.

More than 600 pieces of nineteenth century Biedermeier furniture, including cabinets, bureaus, wardrobes, secretaries, sofas, chairs, and tables. Provides extensive information on shapes, materials, ornamental features, evaluation and pricing, care and restoration tips, and market trends. Illustrated glossary and current values included.

Biedermeier ISBN 3-7757-1796-X / 978-3-7757-1796-0 Clothbound, 10 x 13 in. / 336 pgs / 365 color. / U.S. $65.00 CDN $78.00 September / Design Biedermeier arts and crafts are orderly, frugal and simplistic, just like the fictional German papa for which they are named.

This book sets out to investigate the wealth of the artistic production that developed in Central Europe (Austria and Bohemia in particular) in the first half of the 19th century, when Biedermeier appeared as an original attempt to give rise to a "universal" stylistic expression. Its simplicity of line, rigorous and simple although not lacking in elegance and refinement, the appearance of the first craft productions based on standard models and its unquestionable modernity all make Biedermeier the first example of design, the undisputed point of breakdown between Classicism and Modernism. Indeed, it is considered on the most fascinating genres of the 19th century. The volume offers a 360° view of Central European production using more than 300 objects of extraordinary originality, quality and workmanship from the National Gallery and Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts of Prague and from major Bohemian museums. Paintings, furnishings, sculptures, drawings, graphic works, artistic craftsmanship, jewels, ceramics and glassware that decorated the homes of gentry and bourgeois, miniatures, daguerreotypes... Remarkable pieces such as the refined lady's desk, designed and constructed in the workshop of the most important creator of Biedermeier furniture, the Viennese Josef Danhauser (1780- 1829), and a beautiful lyre- shaped secrétaire with walnut veneer and musical motif carvings that overcome the ostentation of Empire style.

National architectural magazine now in its fifteenth year, covering period-inspired design 1700–1950. Commissioned photographs show real homes, inspired by the past but livable. Historical and interpretive rooms are included; new construction, additions, and new kitchens and baths take their place along with restoration work. A feature on furniture appears in every issue. Product coverage is extensive. Experts offer advice for homeowners and designers on finishing, decorating, and furnishing period homes of every era. A garden feature, essays, archival material, events and exhibitions, and book reviews round out the editorial. Many readers claim the beautiful advertising—all of it design-related, no “lifestyle” ads—is as important to them as the articles.

Decorative Arts