254 CultureShock! Austria
Jörg Haider
Governor of Carinthia and former head of the FPÖ right-wing
party, which he later left to create a new party, The Alliance
for Austria’s Freedom. He has caused much controversy with
his anti-immigration and populist comments.Franz Joseph Haydn (1732–1809)
Classical music composer who spent 29 years in the
commission of the royal Esterházy family at their palaces in
Eisenstadt, Burgenland and Esterhaza, Hungary.Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)
One of the greatest composers of all time. Born in Salzburg,
he produced a vast and highly-respected collection of musical
pieces, including symphonies and operas. He is Austria’s
most beloved son.Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
Although born in Germany, Austrians love to claim him as
one of their own. He lived many years in Vienna, where he
produced magnificent concertos and symphonies.Franz Peter Schubert (1797–1828)
Composer of 600 Lieder (songs) and numerous symphonies,
masses, quartets and sonatas.Johann Strauss Jr. (1825–1899)
Composer of the famous Blue Danube Waltz, among many
other waltzes, polkas and operettas. Affectionately known
as the ‘Waltz King’.Johannes Brahms (1833–1897)
Traditional classical music composer of the Romantic Period.Gustav Mahler (1860–1911)
Composer of post-Romantic classical music, including nine
symphonies. Conductor of the Vienna Opera House for ten
years before moving to New York City as the conductor of
the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.