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Episode 2

The story of how Vienna, triumphant after the Ottoman threat receded at the end of the 17th century, was transformed from a fortress into a great cultural capital.

Simon Sebag Montefiore tells the story of Vienna, triumphant after the Ottoman threat receded at the end of the 17th century. No longer an outpost defending the west from Islamic invaders, the imperial capital was to become the most glittering in the world. The Habsburg emperors transformed the city from a fortress into a great cultural capital. Vienna became a city that would define the arts; a magnet for musicians, including Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven.

1 hour

Clip

Music Played

  • Takako Nishizaki

    Vivaldi: Winter From The Four Seasons - Allegro Non Molto

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Simon Sebag Montefiore
Producer Dominic Ozanne
Director Dominic Ozanne
Producer Richard Pearson
Director Richard Pearson
Series Producer Richard Downes
Executive Producer Mike Smith

Broadcasts

Explore Vienna鈥檚 history with the Habsburg family tree

To find out more, visit The Open University鈥檚 Broadcast site.