Europe - A sanctuary for classical music lovers.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna, the capital of Austria, has long been known as the "jewel" of European classical music, where generations of great composers lived and composed under the Hapsburg dynasty, including Beethoven, Gluck, Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, the Strauss father and son, and Vivaldi.

Perhaps the person most closely associated with Vienna is Johann Strauss II, a true son of Vienna, and the author.The Blue Danube(The Blue Danube), considered the unofficial national anthem of Austria. At Praterstr 54 (just a 15-minute taxi ride from Vienna's Innere Stadt), you can visit his former home, Johann Strauss Wohnung, now a museum. In Stadtpark, there is a gilded monument dedicated to the "king of waltz".

Although not born in Vienna, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart spent ten years living and working there. He was the first artist to perform for Empress Maria Theresia at Schönbrunn Palace. After many years of touring, he eventually settled there and married at St. Stephen's Cathedral. Scattered throughout Vienna are landmarks that bear his mark, such as the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, where he held concerts called Sonntagsakademien; and the 13th-century Michaelerkirche, where he performed.Requiem(Requiem) for the first time. The Michaelerkirche is also famous for its pipe organ, which is over 300 years old. And of course, we cannot forget the Mozarthaus museum (at Domgasse 5), the only remaining house of Mozart.

Mozart wasn't the only composer to achieve fame in Vienna. Ludwig van Beethoven also came to the city to study music with his teacher Joseph Haydn. During his 35 years in Austria, he lived in an apartment in Pasqualati House, where the German composer created many of his outstanding works. Later, Beethoven moved to Heiligenstadt. In 2017, his former residence was converted into a museum.

The composer who marked the transition between Classical and Romantic music was Franz Schubert, a pupil of Antonio Salieri. He was greatly influenced by Beethoven. During his short life, he composed symphonies, operas, chamber music, church music, and poems that were precursors to modern songs. Classical music lovers can visit his former home and view his last works, letters, and other manuscripts. Schubert also has a memorial in Stadtpark. His grave is located near that of Beethoven, whom he admired throughout his life, and next to those of Johann Strauss II and Johannes Brahms.

Visitors to Vienna can also visit the Central Cemetery, the final resting place of classical music legends, to commemorate their legacy.

Salzburg, Austria

About a three-hour drive west of Vienna lies Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its old town, situated on the banks of the Salzach River, is also known as Mozart City, as it was the birthplace and home to the musical prodigy for more than half of his short life.

Today, his home has been transformed into a museum, preserving the "milestones" of the life and career of this musical genius.

Visitors can also stop at the Salzburg Cathedral, built in 774, where Mozart was baptized and played the piano as a child. With concerts taking place year-round, it's a wonderful experience for anyone who has the chance to enjoy Mozart's works in the famous composer's hometown.

Leipzig, Germany

Located in the state of Saxony, the city of Leipzig has become an important part of German musical history.

The first attraction for music lovers is St. Thomas Church, where Johann Sebastian Bach worked as choirmaster from 1723 until his death in 1750. Here, he composed a large number of baroque works. Bach is currently buried in the former Lutheran church. His name is associated with the Leipzig Bach Festival, a famous musical event held annually in June.

Not far from St. Thomas is the Bach Museum. Visitors can find a collection of his original musical scores and manuscripts. In particular, you'll have the opportunity to explore the composer's family tree, thereby understanding the important role of music throughout the generations.

In the heart of Leipzig, visitors can also find the house where Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy once lived. He was a German composer, pianist, and conductor of the early Romantic period. After Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy's death, his old house on the second floor was restored into a museum welcoming tourists in a nostalgic space, with furnishings in the style of late Biedermeier interiors (1815-1845).

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is also the cradle of European classical music, the birthplace of many famous composers. A prime example is Mozart with his operas.Figaro's Wedding(The Marriage of Figaro). Then, the workDon GiovanniHis works were first performed at the Prague Estates Theatre in 1787. To this day, the theatre has become a must-see destination for classical music lovers.

Besides Mozart, several Czech composers, including Bedrich Smetana, also contributed to Prague's reputation in classical music. Upon arriving in the city, visitors can find a small museum located in a villa near Charles Bridge, commemorating his life and musical career.

Antonin Dvorak is also considered one of the most important composers in the Czech Republic and worldwide, with his symphonic works being among the finest. A hall where the Philharmonic Orchestra often performs is named after him. Similar to Smetana, Dvorak is also honored with a museum in Prague. Here, fans have the opportunity to enjoy the artist's works at regularly held events.

Saint Petersburg, Russia

The Romanov family, who ruled Russia in the late 19th century, were known for their love of music and became famous throughout Europe for their patronage of composers. This contributed to making the former capital of Saint Petersburg a hub of great musical talent.

Today, tourists can fully enjoy the works of famous Russian composers such as Borodin, Rimsky-Korsakov, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninof at a variety of venues throughout the city, including the Saint Petersburg Academic Philharmonia and the Saint Petersburg Chamber Opera.

Budapest, Hungary

Upon arriving in Hungary, classical music lovers can also enjoy their favorite pieces right in the capital, Budapest. The Hungarian National Opera House hosts performances of artistic works in a lavishly decorated hall. If you have the opportunity to attend a chamber music concert at St. Stephen's Basilica, don't hesitate to get your ticket.

Hungary is also the birthplace of Franz Liszt. He was world-renowned throughout the 19th century as one of the most talented pianists and composers. Not far from where Franz Liszt lived in Budapest, visitors will find a museum that recreates his life and musical career.

Following Franz Liszt, Kodály Zoltán and Béla Bartók also made their mark with 20th-century classical concertos. Museums associated with their names are popular destinations for classical music lovers in Budapest.

Bergen, Norway

Those who have visited the beautiful country of Norway certainly cannot miss the former home of Edvard Grieg, one of the most famous composers in this Nordic nation.

The house, called Troldhaugen, located in the port city of Bergen, is where Edvard Grieg once lived with his wife, Nina Grieg. The area also includes the Edvard Grieg Museum, the hut where he composed music, and the final resting place of the couple.

Edvard Grieg is considered a "leader" of the Romantic era in music with his works.Piano Concerto in A minorandPeer GyntHe often used and developed Norwegian folk music in his compositions. It was these contributions by Edvard Grieg that helped Norway put itself on the world music map.

Ha Le