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{{Short description|Historic building in Vienna, Austria}}
{{use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox venue
{{Infobox venue
| name = Theater an der Wien
| name = Theater an der Wien
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| logo_image =
| logo_image =
| logo_caption =
| logo_caption =
| image = File:TheaterWien z03.JPG
| image = 2020-05-23 Theater an der Wien Linke Wienzeile.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| image_size = 250px
| image_alt =
| image_alt =
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| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_label_position =
| address =
| address =
| location = [[Vienna]]
| location = [[Vienna]], Austria
| coordinates = {{Coordinate |NS=48/11/58.5/N |EW=16/21/50/E |type=landmark |dim=500 |region=AT-9}}
| coordinates = {{Coord|48|11|58.5|N|16|21|50|E|type:landmark_dim:500_region:AT-9|display=inline,title}}
| type = Opera house
| type = Opera house
| genre =
| genre =
| broke_ground =
| broke_ground =
| built =
| built =
| opened = {{Start date|1801|06|13}}
| opened = {{Start date|1801|06|13|df=y}}
| renovated =
| renovated =
| expanded =
| expanded =
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| tenants =
| tenants =
| embedded =
| embedded =
| website = {{URL|http://www.theater-wien.at}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.theater-wien.at/en/home}}
| publictransit =
| publictransit =
}}
}}


The '''{{Lang|de|Theater an der Wien}}''' is a historic theatre in [[Vienna]] located on the Left [[Wienzeile]] in the [[Mariahilf]] district. Completed in 1801, the theatre has hosted the premieres of many celebrated works of theatre, opera, and symphonic music. Since 2006, it has served primarily as an opera house, hosting its own company.
The '''{{Lang|de|Theater an der Wien|italics=no}}''' is a historic theatre in [[Vienna]] located on the Left [[Wienzeile]] in the [[Mariahilf]] district. Completed in 1801, the theatre has hosted the premieres of many celebrated works of theatre, opera, and symphonic music. Since 2006, it has served primarily as an opera house, hosting its own company.


Although "{{lang|de|Wien}}" is German for "Vienna", the "{{lang|de|Wien}}" in the name of the theatre is actually the name of the [[Wien (river)|Wien River]], which once flowed by the theatre site; "{{Lang|de|an der Wien}}" means "on the banks of the Wien". In modern times, the river has been covered over in this location and the covered riverbed now houses the [[Naschmarkt]], an open-air market.
Although "{{lang|de|Wien}}" is German for "Vienna", the "{{lang|de|Wien}}" in the name of the theatre is actually the name of the [[Wien (river)|Wien River]], which once flowed by the theatre site; "{{Lang|de|an der Wien}}" means "on the banks of the Wien". In modern times, the river has been covered over in this location and the covered riverbed now houses the [[Naschmarkt]], an open-air market.


The theatre is operated in cooperation with [[Vereinigte Bühnen Wien]] (VBW) which also operates the [[Raimund Theater]] and the {{Interlanguage link multi|Ronacher|de}}.
The theatre is operated in cooperation with [[Vereinigte Bühnen Wien]] (VBW) which also operates the [[Raimund Theater]] and the [[Ronacher]].


== History ==
== History ==
=== Early history ===
=== Early history ===
[[File:TheateranDerWienJakobAlt.jpg|thumb|right|{{Lang|de|Theater an der Wien}}, 1815]]
[[File:TheateranDerWienJakobAlt.jpg|thumb|right|{{Lang|de|Theater an der Wien|italics=no}}, 1815]]
The theatre was the brainchild of the Viennese theatrical [[impresario]] [[Emanuel Schikaneder]], who is best known as [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart|Mozart]]'s [[libretto|librettist]] and collaborator on the opera ''[[The Magic Flute]]'' (1791). Schikaneder's troupe had already been successfully performing for several years in Vienna in the smaller {{Lang|de|[[Theater auf der Wieden]]}} and this is where ''The Magic Flute'' had premiered. As the troupe's performances often emphasized spectacle and scenery, the librettist felt ready to move to a larger and better equipped venue.<ref>Braunbehrens 1990, {{Page needed|date=July 2014}}</ref>
The theatre was the brainchild of the Viennese theatrical [[impresario]] [[Emanuel Schikaneder]], who is best known as [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart|Mozart]]'s [[libretto|librettist]] and collaborator on the opera ''[[The Magic Flute]]'' (1791). Schikaneder's troupe had already been successfully performing for several years in Vienna in the smaller {{Lang|de|[[Theater auf der Wieden]]}} and this is where ''The Magic Flute'' had premiered. As the troupe's performances often emphasized spectacle and scenery, the librettist felt ready to move to a larger and better equipped venue.<ref>{{cite book|last=Braunbehrens|first=Volkmar|author-link=Volkmar Braunbehrens|year=1990|title=Mozart in Vienna|page={{Page needed|date=July 2014}}|location=New York|publisher=Grove Weidenfeld|isbn=978-0-8021-1009-1}}</ref>


He had already been granted an imperial licence to build a new theatre in 1786, but it was only in 1798 that he felt ready to act on this authorization. The building was designed by the architect Franz Jäger in [[Empire style]] (it has since been remodeled). Construction was completed in 1801. The theatre has been described as "the most lavishly equipped and one of the largest theatres of its age.".<ref>[[Peter Branscombe]] and [[David J. Buch]], [http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com.rp.nla.gov.au/subscriber/article/grove/music/44709pg2 "Emanuel Schikaneder"] in ''[[Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians]]'' {{subscription required}}</ref>
He had already been granted an imperial licence to build a new theatre in 1786, but it was only in 1798 that he felt ready to act on this authorization. The building was designed by the architect Franz Jäger in [[Empire style]] (it has since been remodeled). Construction was completed in 1801. The theatre has been described as "the most lavishly equipped and one of the largest theatres of its age".<ref>{{Cite Grove|title=Schikaneder, Emanuel (Johann Joseph [Baptist])|author1=[[Peter Branscombe]]|author2=[[David J. Buch]]|doi=10.1093/omo/9781561592630.013.90000381653}} {{subscription required}}</ref>


[[File:Paul Ott TAW.jpg|thumb|upright|left|{{Lang|de|Theater an der Wien}} interior]]
[[File:Glasmuseum Mariahilf 008a.JPG|thumb|upright|Stained glass window by [[Carl Geyling's Erben]], made around 1900 for the theatre]]
The theatre opened on 13 June 1801 with a prologue written by Schikaneder followed by a performance of the opera ''Alexander'' by [[Franz Teyber]]. The new theatre proved to be a sensation. Adolf Bäurle, a local critic, wrote "if Schikaneder and [his partner] Zitterbarth had had the idea ... to charge admission simply for looking at the glories of their {{lang|de|Theater an der Wien}}, Schikaneder would certainly have been able to take in vast sums of money without giving one single performance." The ''[[Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung]]'' called it the "most comfortable and satisfactory in the whole of Germany" (which meant at the time, "all German-speaking lands").<ref>Honolka 1990, p. 187</ref>
The theatre opened on 13 June 1801 with a prologue written by Schikaneder followed by a performance of the opera ''Alexander'' by [[Franz Teyber]]. The new theatre proved to be a sensation. Adolf Bäurle, a local critic, wrote "if Schikaneder and [his partner] Zitterbarth had had the idea ... to charge admission simply for looking at the glories of their {{lang|de|Theater an der Wien|italics=no}}, Schikaneder would certainly have been able to take in vast sums of money without giving one single performance." The ''[[Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung]]'' called it the "most comfortable and satisfactory in the whole of Germany" (which meant at the time, "all German-speaking lands").<ref>{{cite book|last1=Honolka|first1=Kurt|author1-link=Kurt Honolka|last2=Pauly|first2=Reinhard G.|author2-link=:de:Reinhard G. Pauly|year=1990|title=Papageno: Emanuel Schikaneder, Man of the Theater in Mozart's Time|page=187|location=Portland, Oregon|publisher=Amadeus Press|isbn=0-931340-21-7}}</ref>


In 1807 the theatre was acquired by a group of court nobles that included Count [[Ferdinánd Pálffy|Ferdinand Palffy von Erdöd]], who bought it outright in 1813. During the period of his proprietorship, which lasted until 1826, he offered [[opera]] and [[ballet]] and, to appeal to a wider Viennese audience, popular [[pantomime]] and variety acts, losing money in elaborate spectacles until finally he was forced to sell the theatre at auction in 1826.
In 1807 the theatre was acquired by a group of court nobles that included Count [[Ferdinánd Pálffy|Ferdinand Palffy von Erdöd]], who bought it outright in 1813. During the period of his proprietorship, which lasted until 1826, he offered [[opera]] and [[ballet]] and, to appeal to a wider Viennese audience, popular [[pantomime]] and variety acts, losing money in elaborate spectacles until finally he was forced to sell the theatre at auction in 1826.
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Only a part of the original building is preserved: the ''{{Lang|de|Papagenotor}}'' (Papageno Gate) is a memorial to Schikaneder, who is depicted playing the role of Papageno in ''The Magic Flute'', a role he wrote for himself to perform. He is accompanied by the Three Boys, characters in the same opera.
Only a part of the original building is preserved: the ''{{Lang|de|Papagenotor}}'' (Papageno Gate) is a memorial to Schikaneder, who is depicted playing the role of Papageno in ''The Magic Flute'', a role he wrote for himself to perform. He is accompanied by the Three Boys, characters in the same opera.


From 1889 to 1905, [[Alexandrine von Schönerer]] was managing director after the lease ended in 1884 between her and the librettist [[Camillo Walzel]].<ref name="200Jahre">{{cite web |url=http://www.operinwien.at/chronik/Material/twhistor.htm |title=200 JAHRE THEATER AN DER WIEN |first=Dominik |last=Troger |year=2006 |publisher=Theater an der Wien |language=DE }}</ref>
From 1889 to 1905, [[Alexandrine von Schönerer]] was managing director after the lease ended in 1884 between her and the librettist [[Camillo Walzel]].<ref name="200Jahre">{{cite web |url=http://www.operinwien.at/chronik/Material/twhistor.htm |title=200 Jahre Theater an der Wien |first=Dominik |last=Troger |year=2006 |publisher=Theater an der Wien |language=DE }}</ref>


In the late 19th to early 20th centuries, the theatre experienced a golden age during the flourishing of Viennese [[operetta]], as referenced in the list below.
In the late 19th to early 20th centuries, the theatre experienced a golden age during the flourishing of Viennese [[operetta]], as referenced in the list below.
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=== Later history ===
=== Later history ===
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2017}}
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2017}}
⚫
[[File:Wien Theater an der Wien Vorderhaus.jpg|thumb|upright|The {{Lang|de|Theater an der Wien}} during the period it emphasized Broadway musicals. The Broadway-style marquee was removed in 2005.]]

From 1945 to 1955, it was one of the temporary homes of the [[Vienna State Opera]], whose own building had been destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II. However, in 1955, the theatre was closed for safety reasons. It languished unused for several years, and by the early 1960s, the threat had emerged that it would be converted to a parking garage. (This was the same era of "urban renewal" that in America nearly destroyed [[Carnegie Hall]]).
From 1945 to 1955, it was one of the temporary homes of the [[Vienna State Opera]], whose own building had been destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II. However, in 1955, the theatre was closed for safety reasons. It languished unused for several years, and by the early 1960s, the threat had emerged that it would be converted to a parking garage. (This was the same era of "urban renewal" that in America nearly destroyed [[Carnegie Hall]]).


By 1962 the theatre had a new and successful role as a venue for contemporary [[musical theatre]]. Many English-language musicals had their German premieres there. In 1992, the musical [[Elisabeth (musical)|''Elisabeth'']] (about [[Franz Joseph I of Austria]]'s wife, [[Empress Elisabeth of Austria|Elisabeth of Bavaria]], also known as Sisi), premiered there and ran for six consecutive years until 1998; Elisabeth went on to become the most successful German-language musical to date, returning to the Theater an der Wien for a revival production from 2003 to 2005. The musical ''[[Cats (musical)|Cats]]'' directed and choreographed by [[Gillian Lynne]] played successfully for seven years.
By 1962 the theatre had a new and successful role as a venue for contemporary [[musical theatre]]. Many English-language musicals had their German premieres there. In 1992, the musical [[Elisabeth (musical)|''Elisabeth'']] (about [[Franz Joseph I of Austria]]'s wife, [[Empress Elisabeth of Austria|Elisabeth of Bavaria]], also known as Sisi), premiered there and ran for six consecutive years until 1998; Elisabeth went on to become the most successful German-language musical to date, returning to the Theater an der Wien for a revival production from 2003 to 2005. The musical ''[[Cats (musical)|Cats]]'' directed and choreographed by [[Gillian Lynne]] played successfully for seven years.


⚫
[[File:Wien Theater an der Wien Vorderhaus.jpg|thumb|upright|The {{Lang|de|Theater an der Wien|italics=no}} during the period it emphasized Broadway musicals. The Broadway-style marquee was removed in 2005.]]
Despite its focus on operettas and musicals, the theatre still served as a venue for occasional opera productions, especially during the [[Vienna Festival]] seasons, and sometimes co-produced with the [[Vienna State Opera]]. Notable productions of the non-standard repertory include:
Despite its focus on operettas and musicals, the theatre still served as a venue for occasional opera productions, especially during the [[Vienna Festival]] seasons, and sometimes co-produced with the [[Vienna State Opera]]. Notable productions of the non-standard repertory include:
* [[Alban Berg]]'s ''[[Lulu (opera)|Lulu]]'' (1962), conducted by [[Karl Böhm]], staged by [[Otto Schenk]], designed by [[Caspar Neher]], and starring [[Evelyn Lear]]
* [[Alban Berg]]'s ''[[Lulu (opera)|Lulu]]'' (1962), conducted by [[Karl Böhm]], staged by [[Otto Schenk]], designed by [[Caspar Neher]], and starring [[Evelyn Lear]]
* [[Joseph Haydn]]'s ''[[L'anima del filosofo|Orfeo ed Euridice]]'' (1967), conducted by [[Richard Bonynge]], staged by Rudolf Hartmann, and starring [[Nicolai Gedda]] and [[Joan Sutherland]]
* [[Joseph Haydn]]'s ''[[L'anima del filosofo|Orfeo ed Euridice]]'' (1967), conducted by [[Richard Bonynge]], staged by Rudolf Hartmann, and starring [[Nicolai Gedda]] and [[Joan Sutherland]]
* [[Claudio Monteverdi]]'s ''[[Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria]]'' (1971), conducted by [[Nikolaus Harnoncourt]], and staged by Federik Mirdita
* [[Claudio Monteverdi]]'s ''[[Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria]]'' (1971), conducted by [[Nikolaus Harnoncourt]], and staged by Federik Mirdita
* [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart]]'s ''[[La clemenza di Tito]]'' (1976), conducted by [[Julius Rudel]], staged by Mirdita, and starring Werner Hollweg, [[Teresa Berganza]], [[Arleen Augér]], and [[Edda Moser]]
* [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart]]'s ''[[La clemenza di Tito]]'' (1976), conducted by [[Julius Rudel]], staged by Mirdita, and starring Werner Hollweg, [[Teresa Berganza]], [[Arleen Auger]], and [[Edda Moser]]
* [[Franz Schubert]]'s ''[[Fierrabras (opera)|Fierrabras]]'' (1988), conducted by [[Claudio Abbado]], staged by [[Ruth Berghaus]], and starring [[Thomas Hampson]], [[Karita Mattila]], and [[László Polgár (bass)|László Polgár]]
* [[Franz Schubert]]'s ''[[Fierrabras (opera)|Fierrabras]]'' (1988), conducted by [[Claudio Abbado]], staged by [[Ruth Berghaus]], and starring [[Thomas Hampson]], [[Karita Mattila]], and [[László Polgár (bass)|László Polgár]]
* The world premiere of [[Adriana Hölszky]]'s ''Die Wände'' (1995), conducted by [[Ulf Schirmer]], and staged by [[Hans Neuenfels]]
* The world premiere of [[Adriana Hölszky]]'s ''Die Wände'' (1995), conducted by [[Ulf Schirmer]], and staged by [[Hans Neuenfels]]
Between 1996 and 2002, [[Riccardo Muti]] conducted new productions of the three [[da Ponte]] operas of Mozart, based on an original production by [[Giorgio Strehler]].
Between 1996 and 2002, [[Riccardo Muti]] conducted new productions of the three [[Da Ponte operas]] of Mozart, based on an original production by [[Giorgio Strehler]].


=== Today ===
=== Today ===
In 2006, the 250th anniversary year of Mozart's birth, the {{lang|de|Theater an der Wien}} presented a series of major Mozart operas, thus initiating its conversion to a full-time venue for opera and other forms of classical music under the direction of {{ill|Roland Geyer|de}}. Major musical productions since are now presented at either the [[Raimund Theater]] or the Ronacher. The first opera to be given was Mozart's ''Idomeneo'' with [[Neil Shicoff]] in the title role and [[Peter Schneider (conductor)|Peter Schneider]] conducting the new production by [[Willy Decker]]. Other members of the cast were [[Angelika Kirchschlager]], [[Genia Kühmeier]], and [[Barbara Frittoli]].
In 2006, the 250th anniversary year of Mozart's birth, the {{lang|de|Theater an der Wien|italics=no}} presented a series of major Mozart operas, thus initiating its conversion to a full-time venue for opera and other forms of classical music under the direction of {{ill|Roland Geyer (director)|de|Roland Geyer|lt=Roland Geyer}}. Major musical productions since are now presented at either the [[Raimund Theater]] or the [[Ronacher]]. The first opera to be given was Mozart's ''[[Idomeneo]]'' with [[Neil Shicoff]] in the title role and [[Peter Schneider (conductor)|Peter Schneider]] conducting the new production by [[Willy Decker]]. Other members of the cast were [[Angelika Kirchschlager]], [[Genia Kühmeier]], and [[Barbara Frittoli]].


Geyer is quoted as saying that he wishes to "present cutting edge directors and interesting productions",<ref>[[Anne Midgette]], [https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/26/arts/music/26midg.html?pagewanted=print&_r=0 "In Mozart's Backyard, A Fraught Rebirth of an Opera House"], ''The New York Times'', 26 November 2006</ref> and his three main areas of focus are on [[Baroque opera]], contemporary opera, and [[Mozart]].
Geyer is quoted as saying that he wishes to "present cutting edge directors and interesting productions",<ref>[[Anne Midgette]], [https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/26/arts/music/26midg.html "In Mozart's Backyard, A Fraught Rebirth of an Opera House"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', 26 November 2006</ref> and his three main areas of focus are on [[Baroque opera]], contemporary opera, and Mozart.


In recent years, the theatre's seasons have included the following works outside the standard repertoire:
In recent years, the theatre's seasons have included the following works outside the standard repertoire:
[[File:Glasmuseum Mariahilf 008a.JPG|thumb|upright|Stained glass window by [[Carl Geyling's Erben]], made around 1900 for the theatre]]
[[File:Theater-An-Der-Wien-2006.jpg|thumb|Entrance wing facing [[Naschmarkt]], redesigned in 2006]]
[[File:Theater-An-Der-Wien-2006.jpg|thumb|Entrance wing facing [[Naschmarkt]], redesigned in 2006]]
[[File:Paul Ott TAW.jpg|thumb|upright|{{Lang|de|Theater an der Wien|italics=no}} interior, 2009]]
*[[Ian Bell]]: ''[[A Harlot's Progress (opera)|The Harlot's Progress]]'' with [[Diana Damrau]] in the title role.<ref>[http://www.theater-wien.at/index.php/en/programme/production/123440 The Theatre's programme announcement]</ref><ref>Matthew Gurewitsch, [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/arts/music/31gure.html?pagewanted=all "Classical Music: Vienna's New Opera House Since 1801"], ''The New York Times'', 29 May 2009</ref>
*[[Ian Bell]]: ''[[A Harlot's Progress (opera)|The Harlot's Progress]]'' with [[Diana Damrau]] in the title role.<ref>[http://www.theater-wien.at/index.php/en/programme/production/123440 The Theatre's programme announcement]{{dead link|date=January 2024}}</ref><ref>Matthew Gurewitsch, [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/arts/music/31gure.html?pagewanted=all "Classical Music: Vienna's New Opera House Since 1801"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', 29 May 2009</ref>
*[[Hector Berlioz]]: ''[[Béatrice et Bénédict]]'', conducted by [[Leo Hussain]], staged by [[Kasper Holten]] featuring [[Malena Ernman]] and [[Christiane Karg]]
*[[Hector Berlioz]]: ''[[Béatrice et Bénédict]]'', conducted by [[Leo Hussain]], staged by [[Kasper Holten]] featuring [[Malena Ernman]] and [[Christiane Karg]]
*[[Claude Debussy]]: ''[[Pelléas et Mélisande (opera)|Pelléas et Mélisande]]'' conducted by [[Bertrand de Billy]]
*[[Claude Debussy]]: ''[[Pelléas et Mélisande (opera)|Pelléas et Mélisande]]'' conducted by [[Bertrand de Billy]]
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**''[[Partenope]]'', conducted by Christophe Rousset, staged by Pierre Audi
**''[[Partenope]]'', conducted by Christophe Rousset, staged by Pierre Audi
**''[[Semele (Handel)|Semele]]'', conducted by [[William Christie (musician)|William Christie]] (with [[Les Arts Florissants (ensemble)|Les Arts Florissants]]), staged by [[Robert Carsen]], featuring [[Cecilia Bartoli]]
**''[[Semele (Handel)|Semele]]'', conducted by [[William Christie (musician)|William Christie]] (with [[Les Arts Florissants (ensemble)|Les Arts Florissants]]), staged by [[Robert Carsen]], featuring [[Cecilia Bartoli]]
**''[[Radamisto]]'', conducted by [[René Jacobs]], staged by [[Vincent Boussard]] featuring [[David Daniels (countertenor)|David Daniels]]
**''[[Radamisto (Handel)|Radamisto]]'', conducted by [[René Jacobs]], staged by [[Vincent Boussard]] featuring [[David Daniels (countertenor)|David Daniels]]
*[[Joseph Haydn]]: ''[[Orlando paladino]]''; conducted by [[Nikolaus Harnoncourt]], staged by [[Keith Warner]]
*[[Joseph Haydn]]: ''[[Orlando paladino]]''; conducted by [[Nikolaus Harnoncourt]], staged by [[Keith Warner]]
*[[Jake Heggie]]: ''[[Dead Man Walking (opera)|Dead Man Walking]]'', conducted by [[Sian Edwards]], staged by Nikolaus Lehnhoff
*[[Jake Heggie]]: ''[[Dead Man Walking (opera)|Dead Man Walking]]'', conducted by [[Sian Edwards]], staged by Nikolaus Lehnhoff
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*[[André Previn]]: ''[[A Streetcar Named Desire (opera)|A Streetcar Named Desire]]'', conducted by Sian Edwards, staged by [[Stein Winge]]
*[[André Previn]]: ''[[A Streetcar Named Desire (opera)|A Streetcar Named Desire]]'', conducted by Sian Edwards, staged by [[Stein Winge]]
*[[Jean-Philippe Rameau]]: ''[[Platée]]'', conducted by William Christie, staged by [[Robert Carsen]]
*[[Jean-Philippe Rameau]]: ''[[Platée]]'', conducted by William Christie, staged by [[Robert Carsen]]
*[[Richard Strauss]]: ''[[Intermezzo]]'' conducted by [[Kirill Petrenko]]
*[[Richard Strauss]]: ''[[Intermezzo (opera)|Intermezzo]]'' conducted by [[Kirill Petrenko]]
*[[Igor Stravinsky]]: ''[[The Rake's Progress]]'' conducted by [[Nikolaus Harnoncourt]]
*[[Igor Stravinsky]]: ''[[The Rake's Progress]]'' conducted by [[Nikolaus Harnoncourt]]
*[[Giacomo Puccini]]:''[[Il trittico]]'', conducted by [[Rani Calderon]], staged by [[Damiano Michieletto]] featuring [[Patricia Racette]] and [[Roberto Frontali]]
*[[Giacomo Puccini]]:''[[Il trittico]]'', conducted by {{ill|Rani Calderon|he|רני קלדרון}}, staged by [[Damiano Michieletto]] featuring [[Patricia Racette]] and {{ill|Roberto Frontali|it}}
*[[Paul Hindemith]]: ''[[Mathis der Maler]]'', conducted by Bertrand de Billy, staged by Keith Warner
*[[Paul Hindemith]]: ''[[Mathis der Maler (opera)|Mathis der Maler]]'', conducted by Bertrand de Billy, staged by Keith Warner
*[[Federico Moreno Torroba]]: ''[[Luisa Fernanda]]'', conducted by Josep Caballé-Domenech, staged by Emilio Sagi
*[[Federico Moreno Torroba]]: ''[[Luisa Fernanda]]'', conducted by Josep Caballé-Domenech, staged by Emilio Sagi
*[[Giuseppe Verdi]]:
*[[Giuseppe Verdi]]:
**''[[I due Foscari]]'', conducted by [[James Conlon]], staged by Thaddeus Strassberger with [[Plácido Domingo]] in the lead role
**''[[I due Foscari]]'', conducted by [[James Conlon]], staged by Thaddeus Strassberger with [[Plácido Domingo]] in the lead role
**''[[Attila]]'', conducted by [[Riccardo Frizza]], staged by [[Peter Konwitschny]] featuring [[Dmitry Beloselsky]]
**''[[Attila (opera)|Attila]]'', conducted by [[Riccardo Frizza]], staged by [[Peter Konwitschny]] featuring [[Dmitry Belosselskiy]]
*[[Carl Maria von Weber]]: ''[[Der Freischütz]]'', conducted by Bertrand de Billy, staged by [[Stefan Ruzowitzky]]
*[[Carl Maria von Weber]]: ''[[Der Freischütz]]'', conducted by Bertrand de Billy, staged by [[Stefan Ruzowitzky]]


==Premieres ==
==Premieres ==
[[File:TheaterWien z07.JPG|thumb|Papageno Gate in Millöckergasse]]
[[File:TheaterWien z07.JPG|thumb|Papageno Gate in Millöckergasse]]
The {{lang|de|Theater an der Wien}} has seen the premieres of many works by celebrated composers and playwrights. It was a particularly favorite venue for [[Ludwig van Beethoven]], who actually lived in rooms inside the theatre, at Schikaneder's invitation, during part of the period he was composing his opera ''[[Fidelio]]''.
The {{lang|de|Theater an der Wien|italics=no}} has seen the premieres of many works by celebrated composers and playwrights. It was a particularly favorite venue for [[Ludwig van Beethoven]], who actually lived in rooms inside the theatre, at Schikaneder's invitation, during part of the period he was composing his opera ''[[Fidelio]]''.


===Works of Beethoven===
===List of premieres===
[[File:TheaterWien z22.JPG|thumb|The Beethoven memorial displayed on the exterior wall of the theatre. The text reads, "Ludwig van Beethoven lived in the {{lang|de|Theater an der Wien}} in 1803 and 1804. Parts of his opera, the Third Symphony, and the [[Violin Sonata No. 9 (Beethoven)|Kreutzer Sonata]] were written here. ''Fidelio'' and other works received their first performance in this house."]]
[[File:TheaterWien z22.JPG|thumb|The Beethoven memorial displayed on the exterior wall of the theatre. The text reads, "Ludwig van Beethoven lived in the {{lang|de|Theater an der Wien|italics=no}} in 1803 and 1804. Parts of his opera, the Third Symphony, and the [[Violin Sonata No. 9 (Beethoven)|Kreutzer Sonata]] were written here. ''Fidelio'' and other works received their first performance in this house."]]
⚫
*November 10, 1804: ''Die Neger'', [[Antonio Salieri]]'s last opera
⚫
*1803 (April 5) [[Symphony No. 2 (Beethoven)|Second Symphony]], [[Piano Concerto No. 3 (Beethoven)|Third Piano Concerto]] and the oratorio ''[[Christ on the Mount of Olives (Beethoven)|Christ on the Mount of Olives]]''
⚫
*1817: ''Die Ahnfrau'' by [[Franz Grillparzer]]
⚫
*1805 (April 7) [[Symphony No. 3 (Beethoven)|Third Symphony]] (''Eroica'')
*December 20, 1823: [[Rosamunde|''Rosamunde, Fürstin von Zypern'']], a play by [[Helmina von Chézy]] with [[incidental music]] by [[Franz Schubert]]
*1805 (November 20) The first version of ''[[Fidelio]]''
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*April 9, 1844: ''{{Interlanguage link multi|Der Zerrissene|de}}'' by [[Johann Nestroy]]
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*1806 (December 23) [[Violin Concerto (Beethoven)|Violin Concerto]]
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*April 5, 1874: ''[[Die Fledermaus]]'' by [[Johann Strauss II]]
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*1808 (December 22) [[Symphony No. 5 (Beethoven)|Fifth]] and [[Symphony No. 6 (Beethoven)|Sixth]] Symphonies, [[Choral Fantasy (Beethoven)|Choral Fantasy]], [[Piano Concerto No. 4 (Beethoven)|Piano Concerto No. 4]]. See ''[[Beethoven concert of 22 December 1808]]''.
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*December 6, 1882: ''[[Der Bettelstudent]]'' by [[Carl Millöcker]]
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*October 24, 1885: ''[[The Gypsy Baron]]'' by Johann Strauss II
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*January 10, 1891: ''[[Der Vogelhändler]]'' by [[Carl Zeller]]
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*January 5, 1898: ''[[Der Opernball]]'' by [[Richard Heuberger]]
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*December 30, 1905: ''[[The Merry Widow]]'' by [[Franz Lehár]]
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*November 14, 1908: ''[[The Chocolate Soldier]]'' by [[Oscar Straus (composer)|Oscar Straus]]
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*November 12, 1909: ''[[Der Graf von Luxemburg]]'' by Franz Lehár
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*February 28, 1924: ''[[Countess Maritza|Gräfin Mariza]]'' by [[Emmerich Kálmán]]


===Other premieres===
====Works by Beethoven====
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*April 5, 1803: [[Symphony No. 2 (Beethoven)|Symphony No. 2]], [[Piano Concerto No. 3 (Beethoven)|Piano Concerto No. 3]], ''[[Christ on the Mount of Olives (Beethoven)|Christ on the Mount of Olives]]''
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*1804 (November 10) ''Die Neger'', the last opera composed by [[Antonio Salieri]]
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*April 7, 1805: [[Symphony No. 3 (Beethoven)|Symphony No. 3]]
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*1817 ''Die Ahnfrau'' by [[Franz Grillparzer]]
*November 20, 1805: ''[[Fidelio|Leonore, oder Der Triumph der ehelichen Liebe]]'', entitled in later versions ''Fidelio''
*1823 ''Rosamunde, Fürstin von Zypern'' (''Rosamunde, Princess of Cyprus''), a play by [[Helmina von Chézy]]. According to one critic, "dreadful beyond imagination" <ref>Eric Bromberger, program notes for a performance of Schubert's work by the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, 12 November 2007</ref> and utterly forgotten today, except for the [[Rosamunde|incidental music]] by [[Franz Schubert]]
⚫
*December 23, 1806: The [[Violin Concerto (Beethoven)|Violin Concerto]]
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*1844 (April 9) ''{{Interlanguage link multi|Der Zerrissene|de}}'' by [[Johann Nestroy]]
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*[[Beethoven concert of 22 December 1808|December 22, 1808]]: Symphonies [[Symphony No. 5 (Beethoven)|No. 5]] and [[Symphony No. 6 (Beethoven)|No. 6]], the [[Choral Fantasy (Beethoven)|Choral Fantasy]], [[Piano Concerto No. 4 (Beethoven)|Piano Concerto No. 4]].
⚫
*1874 (April 5) ''[[Die Fledermaus]]'' by [[Johann Strauss II]]
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*1882 (December 6) ''[[Der Bettelstudent]]'' by [[Carl Millöcker]]
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*1885 (October 24) ''[[The Gypsy Baron]]'' by Johann Strauss II
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*1891 (January 10) ''[[Der Vogelhändler]]'' by [[Carl Zeller]]
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*1898 (January 5) ''[[Der Opernball]]'' by [[Richard Heuberger]]
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*1905 (December 30) ''[[The Merry Widow]]'' by [[Franz Lehár]]
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*1908 (November 14) ''[[The Chocolate Soldier]]'' by [[Oscar Straus (composer)|Oscar Straus]]
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*1909 (November 12) ''[[Der Graf von Luxemburg]]'' by [[Franz Lehár]]
⚫
*1924 (February 28) ''[[Countess Maritza|Gräfin Mariza]]'' by [[Emmerich Kálmán]]


== References ==
== References ==
'''Notes'''
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

'''Sources'''
*[[Volkmar Braunbehrens|Braunbehrens, Volkmar]] (1990) ''Mozart in Vienna''. New York: Grove Weidenfeld.
*[[Kurt Honolka]], {{Interlanguage link multi|Reinhard G. Pauly|de}} (1990). ''Papageno: Emanuel Schikaneder, Man of the Theater in Mozart's Time''. Portland, Oregon: Amadeus Press. {{ISBN|0-931340-21-7}}.
*''[[Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians]]'', online edition. Copyright 2008, Oxford University Press.


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category-inline|Theater an der Wien}}
{{Commons category|Theater an der Wien}}
* [http://www.theater-wien.at/index.php/en/17383 Official website of the opera house] {{in lang|en}}
* {{official|https://www.theater-wien.at/en/home}}
* [http://www.andreas-praefcke.de/carthalia/austria/a_wien_theateranderwien.htm Theater an der Wien], Andreas Praefcke's "Carthalia" – Theatres on Postcards; postcards, premieres
* [http://www.andreas-praefcke.de/carthalia/austria/a_wien_theateranderwien.htm "Theater an der Wien"], Andreas Praefcke's "Carthalia" – Theatres on Postcards; postcards, premieres
* [http://www.bachtrack.com/find-a-concert/Where/venue=1223-Theater-an-der-Wien Event listings in English from bachtrack.com]
* [http://www.bachtrack.com/find-a-concert/Where/venue=1223-Theater-an-der-Wien Event listings], [[Bachtrack]]


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{{Theatre in Austria}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
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{{Theatre in Austria}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Theater An Der Wien}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Theater An Der Wien}}
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Mariahilf]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Mariahilf]]
[[Category:Opera houses in Austria]]
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[[Category:Concert halls in Austria]]
[[Category:Cultural venues in Vienna]]
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[[Category:1800s establishments in the Habsburg monarchy]]

Latest revision as of 05:20, 2 January 2024

Theater an der Wien
Map
LocationVienna, Austria
Coordinates48°11′58.5″N 16°21′50″E / 48.199583°N 16.36389°E / 48.199583; 16.36389
OwnerVereinigte Bühnen Wien
TypeOpera house
Opened13 June 1801 (1801-06-13)
Website
www.theater-wien.at/en/home

The Theater an der Wien is a historic theatre in Vienna located on the Left Wienzeile in the Mariahilf district. Completed in 1801, the theatre has hosted the premieres of many celebrated works of theatre, opera, and symphonic music. Since 2006, it has served primarily as an opera house, hosting its own company.

Although "Wien" is German for "Vienna", the "Wien" in the name of the theatre is actually the name of the Wien River, which once flowed by the theatre site; "an der Wien" means "on the banks of the Wien". In modern times, the river has been covered over in this location and the covered riverbed now houses the Naschmarkt, an open-air market.

The theatre is operated in cooperation with Vereinigte Bühnen Wien (VBW) which also operates the Raimund Theater and the Ronacher.

History

[edit]

Early history

[edit]
Theater an der Wien, 1815

The theatre was the brainchild of the Viennese theatrical impresario Emanuel Schikaneder, who is best known as Mozart's librettist and collaborator on the opera The Magic Flute (1791). Schikaneder's troupe had already been successfully performing for several years in Vienna in the smaller Theater auf der Wieden and this is where The Magic Flute had premiered. As the troupe's performances often emphasized spectacle and scenery, the librettist felt ready to move to a larger and better equipped venue.[1]

He had already been granted an imperial licence to build a new theatre in 1786, but it was only in 1798 that he felt ready to act on this authorization. The building was designed by the architect Franz Jäger in Empire style (it has since been remodeled). Construction was completed in 1801. The theatre has been described as "the most lavishly equipped and one of the largest theatres of its age".[2]

Stained glass window by Carl Geyling's Erben, made around 1900 for the theatre

The theatre opened on 13 June 1801 with a prologue written by Schikaneder followed by a performance of the opera Alexander by Franz Teyber. The new theatre proved to be a sensation. Adolf Bäurle, a local critic, wrote "if Schikaneder and [his partner] Zitterbarth had had the idea ... to charge admission simply for looking at the glories of their Theater an der Wien, Schikaneder would certainly have been able to take in vast sums of money without giving one single performance." The Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung called it the "most comfortable and satisfactory in the whole of Germany" (which meant at the time, "all German-speaking lands").[3]

In 1807 the theatre was acquired by a group of court nobles that included Count Ferdinand Palffy von Erdöd, who bought it outright in 1813. During the period of his proprietorship, which lasted until 1826, he offered opera and ballet and, to appeal to a wider Viennese audience, popular pantomime and variety acts, losing money in elaborate spectacles until finally he was forced to sell the theatre at auction in 1826.

Only a part of the original building is preserved: the Papagenotor (Papageno Gate) is a memorial to Schikaneder, who is depicted playing the role of Papageno in The Magic Flute, a role he wrote for himself to perform. He is accompanied by the Three Boys, characters in the same opera.

From 1889 to 1905, Alexandrine von Schönerer was managing director after the lease ended in 1884 between her and the librettist Camillo Walzel.[4]

In the late 19th to early 20th centuries, the theatre experienced a golden age during the flourishing of Viennese operetta, as referenced in the list below.

Later history

[edit]

From 1945 to 1955, it was one of the temporary homes of the Vienna State Opera, whose own building had been destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II. However, in 1955, the theatre was closed for safety reasons. It languished unused for several years, and by the early 1960s, the threat had emerged that it would be converted to a parking garage. (This was the same era of "urban renewal" that in America nearly destroyed Carnegie Hall).

By 1962 the theatre had a new and successful role as a venue for contemporary musical theatre. Many English-language musicals had their German premieres there. In 1992, the musical Elisabeth (about Franz Joseph I of Austria's wife, Elisabeth of Bavaria, also known as Sisi), premiered there and ran for six consecutive years until 1998; Elisabeth went on to become the most successful German-language musical to date, returning to the Theater an der Wien for a revival production from 2003 to 2005. The musical Cats directed and choreographed by Gillian Lynne played successfully for seven years.

The Theater an der Wien during the period it emphasized Broadway musicals. The Broadway-style marquee was removed in 2005.

Despite its focus on operettas and musicals, the theatre still served as a venue for occasional opera productions, especially during the Vienna Festival seasons, and sometimes co-produced with the Vienna State Opera. Notable productions of the non-standard repertory include:

Between 1996 and 2002, Riccardo Muti conducted new productions of the three Da Ponte operas of Mozart, based on an original production by Giorgio Strehler.

Today

[edit]

In 2006, the 250th anniversary year of Mozart's birth, the Theater an der Wien presented a series of major Mozart operas, thus initiating its conversion to a full-time venue for opera and other forms of classical music under the direction of Roland Geyer [de]. Major musical productions since are now presented at either the Raimund Theater or the Ronacher. The first opera to be given was Mozart's Idomeneo with Neil Shicoff in the title role and Peter Schneider conducting the new production by Willy Decker. Other members of the cast were Angelika Kirchschlager, Genia Kühmeier, and Barbara Frittoli.

Geyer is quoted as saying that he wishes to "present cutting edge directors and interesting productions",[5] and his three main areas of focus are on Baroque opera, contemporary opera, and Mozart.

In recent years, the theatre's seasons have included the following works outside the standard repertoire:

Entrance wing facing Naschmarkt, redesigned in 2006
Theater an der Wien interior, 2009

Premieres

[edit]
Papageno Gate in Millöckergasse

The Theater an der Wien has seen the premieres of many works by celebrated composers and playwrights. It was a particularly favorite venue for Ludwig van Beethoven, who actually lived in rooms inside the theatre, at Schikaneder's invitation, during part of the period he was composing his opera Fidelio.

List of premieres

[edit]
The Beethoven memorial displayed on the exterior wall of the theatre. The text reads, "Ludwig van Beethoven lived in the Theater an der Wien in 1803 and 1804. Parts of his opera, the Third Symphony, and the Kreutzer Sonata were written here. Fidelio and other works received their first performance in this house."

Works by Beethoven

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Braunbehrens, Volkmar (1990). Mozart in Vienna. New York: Grove Weidenfeld. p. [page needed]. ISBN 978-0-8021-1009-1.
  2. ^ Peter Branscombe; David J. Buch (2001). "Schikaneder, Emanuel (Johann Joseph [Baptist])". Grove Music Online (8th ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/omo/9781561592630.013.90000381653. ISBN 978-1-56159-263-0. (subscription required)
  3. ^ Honolka, Kurt; Pauly, Reinhard G. [in German] (1990). Papageno: Emanuel Schikaneder, Man of the Theater in Mozart's Time. Portland, Oregon: Amadeus Press. p. 187. ISBN 0-931340-21-7.
  4. ^ Troger, Dominik (2006). "200 Jahre Theater an der Wien" (in German). Theater an der Wien.
  5. ^ Anne Midgette, "In Mozart's Backyard, A Fraught Rebirth of an Opera House", The New York Times, 26 November 2006
  6. ^ The Theatre's programme announcement[dead link]
  7. ^ Matthew Gurewitsch, "Classical Music: Vienna's New Opera House Since 1801", The New York Times, 29 May 2009
[edit]
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