Ep 65. From Vienna: The New Year's Celebration 2013

From Vienna: The New Year's Celebration 2013 is an episode of the popular show Great Performances season 38. This episode features the annual New Year's Day concert by the Vienna Philharmonic, which takes place in the historic Musikverein concert hall in Vienna, Austria.

The New Year's Day concert is a tradition that dates back over a century, and has become a beloved cultural event around the world. Each year, the Vienna Philharmonic performs a selection of waltzes, polkas, and other classical pieces, with a special emphasis on the music of the Strauss family. The concert is conducted by a different maestro each year, and for this 2013 edition, it was led by renowned Italian conductor Franz Welser-Most.

The episode begins with a lively performance of Johann Strauss II's famous waltz "Tales from the Vienna Woods," which sets the festive tone for the concert to come. The Vienna Philharmonic is dressed in their traditional formal wear, and the Musikverein's ornate gold-and-white decor provides a stunning backdrop.

Welser-Most proves to be a charismatic and dynamic conductor, leading the orchestra through a variety of pieces with energy and precision. The program includes several highlights, such as the lively "Thunder and Lightning" polka by Johann Strauss II, and the elegant "Lagoon Waltz" by Josef Strauss.

One of the most anticipated moments of the concert comes near the end, when the orchestra performs Johann Strauss II's "The Blue Danube," a timeless piece that has become synonymous with Viennese waltz culture. The Musikverein is bathed in blue light as the musicians play, and the audience sways along to the familiar melody.

Throughout the concert, the Vienna Philharmonic is joined by several guest performers, including soprano Diana Damrau and tenor Piotr Beczala. They provide soaring vocals to pieces like the famous "Vilja Song" from Franz Lehar's operetta The Merry Widow, and a touching rendition of "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz" from Lehar's The Land of Smiles.

The concert also features a few surprises, such as a playful performance of a medley of Bugs Bunny cartoon music, complete with sound effects and special guest appearances by Bugs and Elmer Fudd on the big screen. There is also a rousing rendition of the "Radetzky March," a patriotic piece written by Johann Strauss I, which is traditionally performed as the audience waves Austrian flags and claps along.

From Vienna: The New Year's Celebration 2013 captures the joyful spirit of this iconic event, which brings people from all over the world together to celebrate the start of a new year. Along with the stunning music, the episode also showcases the glamour and elegance of Viennese culture, with shots of the city's stunning architecture and glimpses of the audience, dressed in their finest formal wear.

Overall, this episode of Great Performances is a treat for music lovers and anyone who appreciates the beauty and splendor of classical music and Viennese culture. Whether you are a longtime fan of the Vienna Philharmonic's New Year's Day concert, or experiencing it for the first time, this episode is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.