The Soul of the Opera

Standing regally opposite the Deutsch Akademie can be found one of the most imposing, impressive and recognisable buildings in all of Wien: indeed, it can be none other than the Wiener Staatsoper. Despite its formidable presence, strangely, it is one of those landmarks to which one all-too-readily develops a scotoma.  Passing it almost every day, I often have to remind myself to look so that I really see.

And what a sight it is to be hold.  Constructed in 1869, it is a relevant newcomer on the scene in a city as historic as Wein: nevertheless, over the interim period it has quickly made up for lost time.  Strategically located on the newly-constructed Ringstrasse, which was built over the old city fortifications, the Staatsoper was originally the Opera of the Imperial Court. Viennese through and through, it was designed by the Viennese architect August Sicard von Sicardsburg, with the lavishly decorated interior conceived by Eduard van der Nüll and opened on May 25th 1869 in the presence of Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Elisabeth.  Incredibly, popular opinion at the time held the notion that it wasn’t grand enough and therefore not fitting for the Court in Wien. This was to rapidly change however and after being devastated by bombing during the Second World War, the building had to be almost entirely reconstructed. However the show must go on, as the saying goes and go it has, hosting countless performers under the direction of Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, Karl Böhm and Herbert von Karajan amongst others. The program is diverse and varied, with modern composers and old masters appearing in equal measure, so there is certainly something for everyone’s taste.

One of my favourite things about attending the Opera is that one has the opportunity to meet with a wide myriad of individuals, perhaps those with whom we would not ordinarily meet in our daily lives.  In the foyer, one encounters people from all walks of life: old and young; tall and small; those comfortable and those struggling; foreign and local alike – all in search for a little transcendent beauty to revive the senses and awaken the imagination.  Music speaks to the heart of every human person, regardless of where we come from or what culture we are rooted in. Listening to Puccini or Dvořák, Mozart or Mahler we are at home, regardless of where in the world we may find ourselves.  But don’t just read about it – simply go and experience this sublime opportunity for yourselves!

Aoífe-Maria Beglin