Dr Ruwan M Jayatunge
Austria
is renowned for its breathtaking Alpine landscapes and is a truly picturesque
nation. During a ferry ride from Ostend to Dover, I had the pleasure of meeting
an Austrian named Shultz. Our conversation revolved around Austria and its rich
history, providing me with valuable insights.
I asked
him about the average Austrian's perspective on Hitler's annexation of Austria
in 1938. At that time, a significant number of Austrians greeted the annexation
with enthusiasm. However, the release of the film The Sound of Music later
revealed a shift in sentiment, as audiences became more aware of the struggles
faced by the von Trapp family, highlighting a form of passive resistance to the
regime. Shults explained that for many years following 1945, Austria officially
embraced the "Victim Myth," asserting that it was the first nation to
fall under Hitler's control. He noted that some Austrians perceive their
country as both a victim and a perpetrator. This sentiment has persisted among
post-war generations, who largely subscribe to the "first victim"
narrative. Additionally, he mentioned that the majority of Austrians prefer to
maintain their identity as an independent nation rather than align themselves
with Germany.
It is
essential to recognize that a segment of the Austrian population became fervent
supporters of Hitler. Prominent Wehrmacht generals included Lothar Rendulic, an
Austrian army group commander who directed German operations on the Eastern
Front and in Norway, later facing conviction for war crimes at Nuremberg.
Another notable figure was Erhard Raus, a proficient panzer commander who led
multiple armies, including the 3rd Panzer Army, during the Eastern Front
campaigns.
While
talking to Shulz, I realized that a considerable number of Austrians opposed
Hitler's invasion of their country, with some engaging in both passive
resistance and organized efforts to counter the Nazi regime. Among the notable
figures was Otto von Habsburg, the heir to the former Austrian throne, who
openly condemned Hitler and advocated for armed resistance. He played a crucial
role in facilitating the escape of around 50,000 individuals, including many
Jews, from Austria. Additionally, the Hohenberg brothers were active in their
anti-Nazi stance, which ultimately led to their imprisonment in the Dachau
concentration camp.
It was
a warm summer night, and the English Channel appeared remarkably graceful, with
distant ships and ferries casting shimmering reflections across the water. Our
conversation flowed seamlessly as we took in the serene beauty of the scene. Our
discussion delved into the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a remarkable talent
and a child prodigy. His extraordinary musical abilities were evident from a
young age, yet it seems he struggled to cope with the immense pressure that
accompanied his genius.
While
Amadeus Mozart is celebrated as a prodigy of classical music, his personality
was often marked by arrogance and a lack of refinement. He exhibited a pompous
demeanor, displaying overconfidence and poor manners, frequently boasting about
his musical achievements. Despite his undeniable talent and ability to compose
from memory, Mozart struggled to gain the respect of his peers, often
belittling other composers and positioning himself as the preeminent maestro of
Vienna.
The
intense rivalry between him and court composer Antonio Salieri has been a
subject of speculation throughout history. Salieri, who harbored a mix of
jealousy and admiration for Mozart's extraordinary gifts, found himself in a
complex emotional struggle. Although he publicly criticized Mozart's work,
particularly when the emperor and nobility opposed the comic opera "The
Marriage of Figaro" for political reasons, he secretly revered his rival's
operatic genius. Salieri, a devout man who believed his musical talent was
divinely bestowed, felt threatened by Mozart's greater recognition and talent,
leading him to renounce his faith and perceive his rivalry as a battle against
divine will. His animosity towards Mozart grew to an almost spiritual level, marked
by sarcasm and ill wishes. Meanwhile, as Salieri grappled with his personal
turmoil, Mozart resorted to heavy drinking. Although there is no concrete
evidence to suggest that Salieri was responsible for Mozart's death, it is
possible that he harbored a hidden desire for such an outcome.
I have
long desired to visit Vienna and explore the Sigmund Freud Museum located at
Berggasse. My professor at York University, Richard N. Lalonde, visited the
museum and informed me that the renowned couch was not present, as it had been
shipped to England when Freud permanently left Vienna.
Upon
the ferry's arrival in Dover, I bid farewell to Shults. Although our meeting
occurred quite some time ago, he invariably comes to mind whenever I reflect on
my experiences in Austria, as he served as my temporary travel companion during
that journey.
