Das Wiener Konzerthaus 1913–2013

“To act as a venue for the cultivation of fine music, as a meeting point for artistic endeavour, as a home for music and a cultural centre for Vienna.” It was in this spirit that the Wiener Konzerthaus opened in 1913 and in the course of its 100 year-long history it has more than fulfilled this task, as a place that celebrates a pluralistic culture of music which secures the heritage of “Vienna, city of music” whilst also providing a platform for progressive movements, jazz and music from around the world. Additionally, the concert house built by the architects Ludwig Baumann, Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer also functions as a venue for various non-musical events, ranging from political events of various colours through sporting events such as fencing and boxing championships to culinary gatherings such as wine fairs. The publication “Das Wiener Konzerthaus 1913–2013” takes a look at this history from the art history, musicology and cultural studies perspectives. Using selected case studies on the building of concert halls in Central Europe, it demonstrates the development of a modern building type for cultural and leisure purposes with regard to programme design and the significance for the urban structure. Last but not least, in so doing it also tells the story of one of Vienna’s meeting places.