Since 1496, with the foundation of the Music Chapel of the Vienna Court, the Habsburg family showed a continued interest in the Arts, and especially in music. They were amateurs, but did play music themselves. The family’s interest in music attracted composers from various European countries, such as the Netherlands and Italy, and the court became a center of musical activity, hosting French operas in the 18^th century. This highlights the significance of music to the Vienna Court and the Habsburgs.

The work of the musicians in this period in history was linked to the diverse courts and churches in an important way. It is therefore also important to give a general context and to point out the political and religious facts that could have influenced the development of music in the Viennese court during this period.

The death of Charles VI and the start of the reign of Maria-Theresa (1740)

When Charles VI died in 1740, Austria faced a succession problem, because he had no son. Anticipating this, Charles VI had made “The Pragmatic Sanction” in 1713 so, at his death, in absence of a son, his daughter could accede to the throne and acquire his possessions. Unfortunately, he spent the rest of his life trying to convince the different powers around him to accept this law, which severely weakened Austria. Consequently, the Empire was very weak at his death, and Maria-Theresa legalized her power and position after an 8-year succession war that ended in 1748.

The death of François I; Joseph II became Emperor at his mother’s side (1765)

Joseph II shared the throne with his mother for the next 15 years until Maria-Theresa’s passing in 1780. This led to some political, social, and cultural reforms. Joseph II was an adept of the Enlightenment philosophy and considered himself a “philosopher on the Throne”. He implemented several significant reforms during his reign to modernize the Habsburg monarchy and bring it in line with the ideals of the Enlightenment. He introduced many administrative, legal, and economic reforms. His politics were known under “Josephisme”. He wanted to subordinate the church to the state for example. Some of these changes focused on the churches, and had by extension repercussions on the educational system, and on the musical life (based on the churches at that time). Within a broader political context, he refocused on his country’s internal politics.[1]

The dissolution of the Jesuit order (1773)

In 1773, Pope Clement IV dissolved the Jesuit order. This drastically changed the musical and educational system.[2] The Jesuit convents were some of this region’s most important musical education centers. Religion and music were taught there, and many of the most famous composers in the 18^th century studied in their schools. Many double bass players of the Viennese tradition were studying or working there. The double bass music was linked to the churches in many ways. Many players had to stop their work. We know that a lot of the scores kept in these monasteries were destroyed or sold after their closing. There is no known trace of them.

It is also important to note that the Jesuit order practiced censorship of all musical manuscripts from other European countries of different religious beliefs. This censorship further limited the access to and dissemination of musical knowledge, which harmed the development of music in Europe. The dissolution of the Jesuit order and the loss of their musical manuscripts were a significant setback for music, culture, and education in the 18^th century.

The political and geographical influences on the Viennese violone in the 18^th century

The Viennese violone and its repertoire

Figure 4.