Capturing the Past in the Present: Viennese Instruments, Sounds and Instrument Makers
Abstract
Vienna’s musical heritage is defined not solely by its composers and performers but also by an impressive array of distinctive instruments that have emanated from the city. This chapter delves into the variety of sound bodies that have shaped the city’s sonic environment: mechanical clocks with music, bells, string, keyboard and wind instruments, as well as their unique Viennese modifications. Designed and produced specifically for and/or in Vienna, they reflect the needs of their time and materialize the creative ideas of then-manufacturers, serve as popular tourist attractions or curiosities and transmit symbolic or social meaning.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Musicology and Musical Analysis
Sound Studies and Aurality
Diverse Musicological Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cambridge University Press eBooks
- Pages
- 127–146
- Publication date
- 12 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter