Books

  • 1. The Piano Teacher (Elfriede Jelinek)

    Set against the backdrop of Vienna's classical music scene, this powerful work explores the complex and often disturbing inner world of its protagonist, Erika Kohut, a talented piano teacher who struggles with her own repressed desires and emotional turmoil. Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2004, The Piano Teacher is a poignant and challenging exploration of the human psyche and the constraints of societal norms.

  • 2. The Radetzky March (Joseph Roth)

    This timeless classic of Austrian literature paints a vivid portrait of the twilight years of the Habsburg Empire through the lens of the Trotta family. Set against a backdrop of political upheaval and cultural change, the story captures the fading glory of the empire and its impact on the lives of its characters. The Radetzky March is a poignant exploration of identity, tradition, and the inexorable passage of time.

  • 3. Night Falls on the City (Sarah Gainham)

    Set in post-World War II Vienna, the story follows the life of Julia Homburg, the widow of an Austrian resistance fighter. Against the backdrop of a divided city, the novel explores themes of love, political intrigue, and the complexities of rebuilding a war-torn society. Gainham's vivid storytelling and meticulous historical research bring the atmosphere of post-war Vienna to life.

Movies

  • 1. Before Sunrise (1995)

    Before Sunrise (1995) and its sequels Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013) form a legendary trilogy. Directed by Richard Linklater, these romantic films follow the evolving relationship between two characters, played by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, as they meet and reconnect in Vienna.

  • 2. The Third Man (1949)

    Based on Graham Greene's novel, this film noir classic is set in post-war Vienna and revolves around the investigation of a mysterious death. Its atmospheric cinematography and iconic zither soundtrack capture the essence of the city.

  • 3. Amadeus (1984)

    This Academy Award-winning film explores the life of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, set against the backdrop of 18th-century Vienna. It offers a fictionalized account of Mozart's life and the music scene of the time.