Salzburg is renowned also as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He was born here on 27th January of 1756, in a 3-bedroom apartment now a museum that is frequented by thousands of visitors every year.
Mozart learnt his first musical piece when 5-year old in 1761. That was the year when the British captured Pondicherry to mark the end of French dominance in India. He wrote 626 compositions within the short span of 35 years of his life and was the prolific and influential composer of the Classical era.
His compositions include works widely acknowledged as pinnacles of a great variety of classical music. He astonished his audiences with his precocious skills and played to the French and English royal families.
Mozart is recognized as one of the most enduringly popular composers. Many of his works are part of the standard concert repertoire and widely adapted for popular music, even for a Hindi song that I heard when watching an Indian film.
Hayden paid tribute to him as the greatest composer having the taste and the greatest knowledge.
Leaving Salzburg for Vienna was an enjoyable drive through peaceful mountains and calm valleys that are part of the watershed of Danube, the second longest river of Europe. Originating in the Black Forest in Germany, it flows eastwards through several Central and Eastern European capitals before emptying into the Black Sea with deltas in Ukraine and Romania.
The Austrian stretch of the river is one of the most winding in its entire course and is dotted with towns that offer many relaxing facilities and sports. It has been an important international waterway for centuries.
Vienna is the capital and the largest city of Austria, with its historic City Centre selected for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is the hub of country's musical life, especially western classical music.
Austrians over the years have made great contributions through musical compositions of famous composers and conductors such as Mozart (1756-1791), Hayden (1732-1809) , Schubert (1732-1809), Bruckner (1824 – 1896 ) and Mahler (1860–1911).
Johann Strauss Sr (1804 - 1849), born in Vienna, was the most popular conductor and composer of dance music of his time. His son, Johann Jr. (1825 - 1899), earned the title of "The Waltz King" with his prolific output. His best-known work, The Blue Danube, was written in 1867. At the world-famous New Year celebrations in Vienna each year, it is a must among other favourites.
Ludwig van Beethoven, born in Germany in 1770, spent most of his life in Vienna. When Napoleonic forces attacked the city in 1809, he is reported to have moved away from the dreadful noise to a cellar, with mufflers round his ears to protect the last of his hearing.
