Mozart concert at the Musikverein

For us, like most, our visit to Vienna would not have been complete without a Mozart concert at the Musikverein to hear the music of Mozart. There are so many choices that guys dressed as Mozart carrying brochures, offering tickets for sale, is common. These ‘Mozart men’ are outside many music venues and tourist attractions and are high pressure sellers. Spruiking is one thing, but we were very wary not to get caught by a scalpers’ sweet talk. It was entertaining, listening to a man who had very limited English hum the tunes as we watched him mimicking an orchestral conductor. He was trying hard to get us to recognize the music we would experience if we purchased his tickets to a Mozart concert at the Musikverein.

Yep, we caved. We agreed to purchase the tickets. After all, what’s a visit to the City of Music without a brilliant classical performance? In the course of our vague understanding of his banter, we heard a guarantee of good seats for the following night to experience the Wiener Mozart Konzerte at Musikverein. Faster than lightening, as soon as we agreed, out came a mobile eftpos machine to swipe our card and secure our tickets.

The following evening we ventured off in search of the Musikverein, uncertain if we really had valid tickets or had been scammed. We were really impressed when we arrived; not only were our tickets valid, but this was a gorgeous concert hall and one of the most decorative and striking buildings on Vienna’s Ringstrasse we had seen.

Golden vaulted ceilings and decorated arches display an architectural beauty and stylish splendour. We were shown the way to the Brahms-Saal, named after Johannes Brahms. With its green walls, red column and plenty of gold this hall is said to look like a little treasure chest, styled in Greek Renaissance like the rest of the building. Another surprise awaited. Renowned worldwide as one of the finest concert halls, we had front row tickets in the balcony. How very impressive, not only to actually be in this beautiful building but to have such perfect seats.

As soon as everyone is seated the Viennese Mozart Orchestra’s musicians come to the stage and take their places. They are all dressed in magnificent period costumes, coats, wigs and stocking, recreating the grandeur of the 18th century.

The opulence of the Musikverein increases, chandeliers brighter than stars. On command from the conductor the orchestra strikes up. The orchestra was founded with the aim to preserve and cultivate the classical musical tradition of Vienna. The best composer from the classical period is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and in dedication to his works they perform a repertoire of his master’s works, orchestral and operatic.

The authentic concert, not only the music we have come to hear, but witnessing the charming habits of this orchestra performing in the style and costumes of the era of old world charm of the 18th century, is magical.

The building façade, the glittering concert hall and a selection of Vienna’s best voices compliment the orchestra’s world class sound. The conductor engaged the audience, the overall effect is that we have truly stepped back in time. Clearly in a time warp, in awe of the amazing satin gowns of the historical costumes, the colourful jackets and the wigs, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a little Mozart. This was a brilliant classical performance, a knock out finale, a truly beautiful, cultured evening. The music was so flawless that humming along was hard to resist. The repertoire, the setting and musician’s enthusiasm all contributed to a wonderful ambience transporting us back to Mozart’s era.

I loved that they were in period dress, in a beautiful concert hall with great acoustics. The music played was all familiar, so even if you are not classical savvy you can enjoy the concert.

Even if you don’t normally go to concerts, if you’re visiting Vienna, you are likely to want to hear some music. Concerts there regularly sell out week’s in advance. So if you don’t want to take a chance on tickets from the ‘Mozart men’, book ahead of time. Choose from A, B, C or Superior tickets or indulge in a VIP package which includes a meal, horse and carriage drive from the restaurant, best category tickets, a glass of sparkling wine in the VIP area and a chance to meet and talk with the performers.

From someone who has very little knowledge of classical music, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and definitely a must see. It was indeed, the finest ending to our time in Vienna.

Have you seen this wonderful concert? Would you risk buying tickets from a ‘Mozart man’?

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