Album Review: Wien bleibt Wien 1 Folge – A Waltz Through Vienna’s Heart
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into Wien bleibt Wien 1 Folge, a classical gem that feels like someone took all the charm of Vienna and stuffed it into one record. This album is like an old-school postcard from Austria—rosy-cheeked, slightly faded, but oh-so-charming. Label? Philips. Genre? Classical. Country? Germany (close enough to Austria for this ride). And boy, does it deliver on nostalgia.
The lineup of composers here reads like your grandpa’s dinner party guest list: Ziehrer, Stolz, Strauss—you get the idea. These guys didn’t just write music; they bottled Vienna itself. Let’s break down two tracks that stuck with me harder than mustard on a bratwurst.
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Track 1: "An der schönen blauen Donau"
Ah yes, Johann Strauss Jr.’s masterpiece—the Donauwalzer aka “The Blue Danube.” If you’ve ever seen anyone waltz in a movie or meme, this was probably playing in the background. The track kicks off slow, teasing you like, “Hey, wanna dance?” Then BAM! It sweeps you off your feet faster than a tipsy uncle at a wedding.
What makes this version stand out isn’t just its iconic melody—it’s how lush and vibrant it feels. You can practically smell the schnitzel frying somewhere nearby while listening to it. I swear, every time those strings swell, I half-expect to see horse-drawn carriages trotting past my window. Spoiler alert: They never do, but hey, a guy can dream.
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Track 7: "Wien bleibt Wien"
Now let’s talk about the title track, “Wien bleibt Wien” (“Vienna Remains Vienna”). If cities could sing their own theme songs, this would be Vienna’s anthem. It’s got swagger, sass, and more bounce than a kangaroo on espresso.
This tune reminds me of wandering through cobblestone streets lined with cafes where everyone seems to have infinite time for coffee and gossip. Horns blast proudly, as if shouting, “Yeah, we’re still awesome!” Meanwhile, the rhythm keeps things lively enough to make even the stiffest listener tap their toes. By the end, you're left feeling oddly patriotic—for Austria, despite not being Austrian.
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Final Thoughts
Listening to Wien bleibt Wien 1 Folge feels like stepping back in time to when life moved slower—but not boring-slow, more like strolling-through-a-park-with-a-pretzel-in-hand slow. Sure, some might call these pieces predictable, but isn’t there beauty in knowing exactly what comes next? Like finding comfort in overcooked noodles or reruns of bad sitcoms.
Unexpected twist? Well, halfway through writing this review, I realized I’ve been humming “An der schönen blauen Donau” nonstop. So now I’m either cursed or blessed to have Viennese waltzes stuck in my head forever. Thanks, composers. Thanks a lot.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
Because no matter how hard I try, I can’t unhear greatness.
