Enjoying the Culture 159House) was the first building to go up, designed by August
von Siccardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll in 1861–69 in
the French Renaissance style. The Rathaus (City Hall) was
designed by Friedrich Schmidt in a Flemish Gothic style in
1872–83. Carl Hasenauer designed the Kunsthistorisches (Art
History) Museum and the Naturhistorisches (Natural History)
Museum with Italian Renaissance style features in 1866.
(Gottfried Semper later redesigned the facades.) Heinrich
Ferstel redesigned the Universität (University) in the Italian
Renaissance style in 1873–83. The Burgtheater (National
Theatre) was designed by Semper (exterior) and Hasenauer
(interior) in the Italian Renaissance style in 1874–88. The
Parlament (Parliament) was designed by Theophil Hansen,
a Dane from Athens, who chose the Hellenic style for the
home of the imperial council and to honour the birthplace of
democracy. Hansen also designed the Börse (Stock Exchange)
in the Italian Renaissance style in 1874–77.
Music
Johann Strauss, Jr (1825-99)
Johann Strauss junior is known the world over for his
engaging waltzes, polkas and operettas. He took over his
father’s orchestra after his death and travelled far and wide
with it. His life, however, was unlike his music. He married
three times and had a rather dark and driven demeanor.
His most memorable waltzes are The Blue Danube and
Tales of the Vienna Woods. He also composed operettas such
as die Fledermaus (The Bat) and The Gypsy Baron. When Julie
took a tour around Vienna, the guide called Strauss one of
the first modern pop stars. He inspired the masses to forget
their troubles, be happy and dance!
Johannes Brahms (1833–97)
Brahms brought new life to the art song. He followed the
classical approach like Mozart and Beethoven, concentrating
on absolute music as opposed to composing programme
music or opera. Although considered a traditionalist, Brahms
is said to have invented the use of variations, from classical
to modern compositions, in his music.