Austria - The Land of Beauty and Music

 

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.