Oct 24, 2025, 11:02 IST

Vienna is known as the City of Music for its classical heritage, legendary composers like Mozart and Beethoven, and rich cultural traditions that continue to shape global music.

City of Music: The City of Music is Vienna, the capital of Austria. Known for its deep connection with classical and cultural heritage, Vienna stands as the global center of musical excellence. The city has nurtured world-famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn, and Strauss, whose works shaped Western classical music. Every street, concert hall, and café in Vienna reflects its timeless musical spirit, making it rightly called the City of Music.

Why Vienna is Called the City of Music?

Vienna earned the title “City of Music” due to its unmatched contribution to the world of classical music. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the city became the artistic capital of Europe, attracting the greatest composers and musicians. The support of the Austrian monarchy, grand opera houses, and appreciative audiences made Vienna the perfect environment for creativity.

Music remains an essential part of everyday life in Vienna. The city hosts thousands of concerts annually, from symphonies and operas to street performances. Here, music is not just entertainment, it is a living tradition that continues to inspire people across the world.

Famous Composers Who Made Vienna the City of Music

1.Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Created legendary works such as The Magic Flute and The Marriage of Figaro while living in Vienna.

2.Ludwig van Beethoven – Composed his greatest symphonies, including the Ninth Symphony, in Vienna.

3.Franz Schubert – A native of Vienna, known for his hundreds of songs and symphonic pieces.

4.Joseph Haydn – The Father of the Symphony, who influenced both Mozart and Beethoven.

5.Johann Strauss II – The Waltz King, whose compositions made the Viennese Waltz world-famous.

These composers made Vienna synonymous with classical brilliance and artistic innovation.

Vienna’s Music Culture Today

Vienna continues to thrive as a global hub for music. The city hosts more than 15,000 musical events each year, ranging from chamber recitals to grand orchestral performances.

Institutions such as the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Vienna State Opera, and Vienna Boys’ Choir uphold the city’s musical legacy. Whether in elegant concert halls or open-air stages, music is ever-present in Vienna’s daily life. It is said that “every heart in Vienna beats in rhythm with music,” a statement that perfectly captures its cultural essence.

Interesting Facts About Vienna 

1. Birthplace of Musical Legends

Vienna has been home to more than 60 world-renowned composers, more than any other city in the world. Nearly every district in the city has historical links to music.

2. Origin of the Waltz

The famous Viennese Waltz originated here in the 19th century and became a dance that symbolized grace and romance across Europe.

3. Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

Founded in 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic is one of the oldest and most respected orchestras in the world, representing Austria’s rich musical identity.

4. City of Daily Concerts

More than 10 classical concerts take place in Vienna every night, making it one of the most musically active cities globally.

5. World-Famous New Year’s Concert

The annual New Year’s Concert performed by the Vienna Philharmonic is broadcast to over 90 countries and watched by millions worldwide.

6. Music in Everyday Life

Nearly half of Vienna’s residents play a musical instrument or sing in a choir, showing that music is deeply rooted in the city’s lifestyle.

7. UNESCO City of Music

In 2017, Vienna was officially designated a UNESCO City of Music, recognizing its global influence and contribution to musical heritage.

Which City is Called the City of Music?

While several cities around the world are known as the “City of Music,” the title is most famously associated with two in particular:

1. Vienna, Austria: Often considered the classical “City of Music,” Vienna has an unparalleled legacy in the history of Western classical music. It was the home and workplace for a staggering number of legendary composers, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, and Johann Strauss II. The city’s concert halls, opera houses, and musical traditions solidify its reputation.
2. Nashville, Tennessee, USA: Widely known by its official nickname, “Music City,” Nashville is the global hub for country music. It is home to the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, and countless recording studios and music venues, attracting songwriters and musicians from all genres.

🎻 Vienna: The Classical Capital of Music

Vienna’s reputation as the City of Music is richly deserved, thanks to its extraordinary contributions to Western classical music over centuries. Here’s what makes it so iconic:

🎼 Home to Musical Legends

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Johann Strauss II, and Joseph Haydn all lived and composed in Vienna.
• The city was a cultural magnet during the Classical and Romantic periods, drawing composers from across Europe.

🏛️ Historic Music Venues

• Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper): One of the most prestigious opera houses in the world.
• Musikverein: Home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and renowned for its acoustics, especially the Golden Hall.
• Theater an der Wien: Where Beethoven premiered Fidelio.

🎶 Vibrant Musical Institutions

• Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra: Globally acclaimed, especially for its annual New Year’s Concert.
• Vienna Boys’ Choir: One of the oldest and most famous boys’ choirs in the world.
• University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna: A top institution producing world-class musicians.

🏰 Music in Everyday Life

• Classical music is deeply woven into the city’s fabric—from street performers to elegant balls.
• The annual Vienna Philharmonic Ball and Donauinselfest (Europe’s largest free open-air music festival) showcase the city’s musical diversity.

UNESCO “City of Music” Designations

Additionally, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network gives an official “City of Music” designation to cities that have a rich musical heritage and a vibrant contemporary music scene.

This is not a single title but a network of cities. As of recent years, this list includes over 60 cities worldwide, such as:

• Gwalior, India: Recognized for its deep-rooted history with Hindustani classical music and as the birthplace of the Gwalior Gharana.

Gwalior’s profound connection to Hindustani classical music stems from its role as the birthplace of the Gwalior Gharana, one of the oldest and most influential styles of khayal singing. The city’s musical legacy dates back to the reign of Raja Man Singh Tomar in the 15th century, who was a great patron of the arts. This tradition was later cemented by the legendary musician Tansen, a prominent figure in the Mughal Emperor Akbar’s court, who was born and buried in Gwalior. Culture

Gwalior art culture

• Gwalior is a well acknowledged place of art, associated with historic as well as contemporary evidence. 
• In August 2005 a mural created by Aasutosh Panigrahi along with five other artist, was acknowledged as World’s Largest Indoor Mural by Guinness Book of Records. 
• The artwork was created at ShyamVatika (Saraswati Estate, near GolaKaMandir). ShyamVatika is one of the largest Auditorium of Gwalior. 
• Gwalior holds an unparalleled reputation in Sangeet and the legendary musician Tansen came from Gwalior. In his memory Tansen Samaroh is held every year. 
• Sarod Maestro UstadAmjad Ali Khan was also from the royal city of Gwalior. His grandfather Ghulam Ali Khan Bangash became a court musician in Gwalior.
• Culturally Gwalior is the confluence of two rich cultures Bundeli and Braj. Bundelkhand covers Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Sagar, Shivpuri, Guna, Sheopur and adjoining areas.

Folk Dances

Ahiri Dance

• This dance is related to people who have traditionally been in the business of cattle herding. 
• In different parts of the state these people are known by different castes such as Ahir, Baredi, Gwal, Rawat, Raut, Gwala etc. 
  • These people believe that they are the descendents of Lord Krishna.

Baredi or Yadav dance of Bundelkhand

• This dance has been associated with the biggest Hindu festival “Diwali”. 
• On the night of Diwali people worship Laxmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth (after all no body can live without money), and cattle.
• Next day on the occasion of “Padva” or “Parva” cattle are sent to jungles or ranches after being decorated with flowers and garlands. 
  • They are given special dishes as food. Yadav dance is performed on the same occasion.
  • Dancers dance in a circular path while singing songs. Sometimes they sit or lie down on earth and suddenly they restart their dance. 
  • Rhythm of the song is very low in starting and increases with time. Music instruments are started only when two lines of the song are finished. 
  • Primarily these are two line couplets. Sometimes these are in form of questions and answers. This dance continues till KartikPurnima.

Dress – Dancers, instrument beaters and their associates wear a clean turban on head. Some people like to put on Dhoti up to knees (long cloth wore by men enwrapping their waist). Some people specially dancers wear colorful shorts. Dancers also keep bunch of peacock feathers.

Music Instruments Mradang, Dholak, Ramtula, Dhapli, Manzira, Jhanz etc. are used in this dance.

Saharia Dances

• Saharias are tribal people who live in jungles. They work in farms and also collect medicinal plants from jungles. 
• There are several dances of Saharias. Some of the important ones are: Lur Dance, Lanhgi Dance, Dul-DulGhodi Dance, Raya Dance, Ada-Khada Dance.

Lur dance of Saharias

• This dance is performed on the occasion of marriage starting from the day of ritual of “Haldi” (In this ritual whole body is pasted with turmeric and after sometime it is removed so the body is cleaned) till the arrival of Barat (Bridegroom comes to the house of the bride with his relatives and friends for marriage ceremony).

Lanhgi dance of Saharias

• This dance is also known as Danda(baton) dance because Saharias dance with small batons in their hands with which they strike at each other and perform Lanhgi dance. 
• Only men are allowed in it. This dance is performed on the occasion of Bhujarias, Tejaji puja and Aekadashi etc.

Dul-DulGhori dance

• This dance is performed on the occasion of marriage by males.
• In this dance a hollow case of ghori (mare) is prepared of bamboo sticks. 
• The dancer stands in the hollow place and dances.(depicts various movements of mare.) There is also a joker in women clothing. People sing folk songs during the dance.

Folk Poets

Jagnik

• Jagnik was a folk poet of 11th-12th century. At that time some poets used to write biographies of folk warriors. 
• These biographies were called “Raso”. Jagnik wrote “Parmalraso” or “Alha khan” Which contains the description of 52 battles fought by Bundeli war heroes Alha and Oodal. 
• The style of singing alhakhand has a unique distinction and it is very popular in the region. Dholak, timaki, jhinka, and majira are its musical instruments. 
• People who sing alha are called “Alhet”. Lalloovajpayi is a very famous alhet.

Local Festivals, Art and Music

There are innumerable festivals celebrated by Gwaliorites but among the long list, the main festivals celebrated in the city are Tansen Festival, BhavbhutiSamaroh, Baba HiraBhumia’s Fair, Rang Panchmi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Navratri, etc.

Culture of Gwalior

Gwalior is well-known for its unique culture, owing to the influences of various dynasties. It is a melting pot of distinct cultures and traditions. 

Historic as well as contemporary art is popular in the city. The world’s largest indoor mural was created in Gwalior. ‘Drupad’ is a vocal genre that is believed to be the oldest continuing musical genre of Hindustani classical music. 

Tansen, the world-famous vocalist of the court of Akbar, was from Gwalior. In his honour, Tansen Music Festival is held every year. 

Folk dance is also popular in the city. Some of the dance forms are Ahir folk dance, Baredi dance and Saharia dance. 

MakarSankranti, Holi, Diwali and Rakhi are some of the festivals of Gwalior. The city also has a rich poetic tradition and many revered poets belonged from here.

Gwalior Culture

• The Culture of Gwalior is characterized with a fine composite of Bundeli and Braj cultures wherein the indigenous religious, historical, architectural and artistic bequest of Gwalior is reflected through its illustrious tradition of art, music, dance, poetry and festivals.
• Music: Gwalior; ‘the City of Music’ and the felicitous land of Tansen and BaijuBawra boasts of its unsurpassed standing in the domain of the ‘Hindustani Classical Music’. 
• Tansen; the Father of the Indian Classical Music who blossomed in the Court of Akbar as the greatest musician, composer, vocalist and instrumentalist of India was born in a town near Gwalior and was also buried in Gwalior after his demise. 
• Gwalior City celebrates the Tansen Music Festival every year in the honor of this most luminous star in the firmament of Indian Classical Music. 
• The legendary classical singer of India – BaijuBawra lived in Gwalior and prospered under the patronage of King Man Singh Tomar. Ghulam Ali Khan Bangash was an eminent court musician of Gwalior whose grandson UstadAmjad Ali Khan has attained worldwide fame for his excellence in the field of ‘SarodVadan’.
• The Gwalior Gharana emerged and developed during the reign of Emperor Akbar which happens to be one of the oldest Khayal Gharanas and most of the Classical Indian Musicians owe their trend and approach to the Gwalior Gharana. 
• Dhrupad; the oldest musical tradition of India still in use is a vocal genre that was propagated and patronized during the supremacy of Raja Man Singh Tomar.
• Tansen Music Festival organized by the Madhya Pradesh State Government in collaboration with the Department of Culture provides a platform to the artists and musicians to showcase their talents and earn immense praise and repute. 
• Musicians and singers from all over the country congregate at Gwalior on the occasion of this music carnival and present vocal as well as instrumental performances in front of the music lovers gathered here from far and wide. 
• Tansen Music Festival is honored to be the only musical show of India that continues for several days and nights. Dating back to 1930s, this music festival celebrated in the month of December offers a real treat to the eyes and ears of the lovers and admirers of music.

Handicraft: 

Tourists make it a point to buy Chanderi & Maheswari Saris, Tussar & Kosa Silk, Lacquer Ware, Dolls, Dokra Statuettes, Ethnic Ornaments, Wall Hangings, Handmade Carpets, Tribal Jewelry, Hand-Woven Saris, Other Fabrics, etc. from here.

Gwalior is also commended for its Papier Mache Artifacts, Leather Work and Hand Woven Carpets. 

The Gwalior Gharana

This distinct school of music, considered the “fountainhead of all khayal gharanas,” is known for its pure, straightforward style. 

Key characteristics of the style:

• Melody and rhythm: The style emphasizes a balanced approach to both melody (raga) and rhythm (tala).
• Systematic development: It is known for the systematic and gradual expansion of a raga, starting with a slow, meditative pace and progressing to a faster tempo.
• Minimal ornamentation: Ornamentation is used sparingly, and the focus remains on the clarity of each note (swara).
• Historical lineage: Key figures like Naththan Pir Bakhsh and his grandsons Haddu and Hassu Khan were pivotal in formalizing the khayal style of the Gwalior Gharana in the 19th century. 

Prominent exponents of the Gharana:
The Gharana has produced many legendary musicians over the centuries, including: 

• Krishnarao Shankar Pandit
• Vinayakrao Patwardhan
• Balakrishnabuwa Ichalkaranjikar
• Veena Sahasrabuddhe

Tansen Music Festival

The city’s legacy is celebrated annually at the Tansen Music Festival, a major five-day event held in December. 

About the festival:

• Homage to a legend: Held near Tansen’s tomb in Gwalior, the festival honors the Mughal court musician and his contribution to classical music.
• Showcasing the Gharana: The event showcases the Gwalior Gharana’s style of music, bringing together both renowned and emerging musicians from across India.
• World record-setting tribute: The 100th festival in 2024 set a Guinness World Record with 536 artists playing nine different instruments for nine consecutive minutes as a tribute to Tansen.
• Government backing: The event is organized by the Department of Culture of the Government of Madhya Pradesh, showcasing its importance to the region’s cultural heritage. 

• Varanasi, India: Honored for its rich traditions of classical and folk music.

Varanasi is a UNESCO Creative City of Music, a title it earned in 2015 for its profound traditions in both classical and folk music. As one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, its musical legacy is deeply interwoven with its spiritual life along the River Ganges. 

Classical music

Varanasi is the home of the Banaras Gharana, a distinct and influential school of Hindustani classical music. 

• Vocal music: The gharana is known for its emotive semi-classical vocal genres, with the Purab Ang (eastern style) of thumri being a particular specialty. Other popular styles include dadra, chaiti, and kajri.
• Instrumental music: The Benares tabla gharana was developed here over 200 years ago by Pandit Ram Sahai. The city also has a rich history of sitar music and is associated with the Senia gharana.
• Notable musicians: The city has produced or been a home to some of India’s most legendary musicians, including:
  • Pandit Ravi Shankar: Legendary sitar maestro
  • Ustad Bismillah Khan: Master of the shehnai
  • Girija Devi: Famed “Queen of Thumri”
  • Pandit Kishan Maharaj: Master tabla player 

Folk music

The city and its surrounding region of Uttar Pradesh have a long and vibrant tradition of folk music, which has also influenced its classical forms. 

• Genres: Prominent folk styles include Bidesia, Lachri, Kajri, and Birha. The folk music is often accompanied by instruments like the huduk and dholak.
• Festivals: Traditional music is celebrated at festivals like the Jhoola, Jhoomar, and Gulab Bari. 

Promoting the city’s music

Varanasi actively preserves and promotes its musical heritage through key initiatives: 

• Guru-Shishya Parampara: This ancient teacher-pupil tradition is kept alive through various grant schemes and educational programs.
• Sangeet Sankul Music School: A key institution dedicated to protecting musical traditions and developing young talent.
• Musical festivals: The annual Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, held at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, is a famous festival for classical music and dance. 

• Liverpool, England: Famous as the birthplace of The Beatles and for its significant impact on pop music.

Liverpool is world-famous as the birthplace of The Beatles, a connection that is central to its identity and has led to it being named the UK’s “City of Pop”. The city’s rich musical heritage extends beyond The Beatles, with other genres and artists also contributing to its impact on popular music, and it continues to be a hub for live music and tourism focused on the band.  

You can watch this video to learn about the history of the Beatles:

WatchMojo.com

The Beatles and their influence

• Birthplace: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr were all from Liverpool, which shaped their music. 
• Early days: The band played countless gigs in local venues like the Cavern Club and the Caspa Coffee Club, developing their sound and style. 
• Cultural impact: The Beatles’ music, fashion, and cultural influence on youth culture in the 1960s were immense, and their legacy continues to draw visitors to the city. 

You can watch this video to take a virtual tour of Liverpool with a focus on the Beatles:

Stephen and Claire – 2 Zany Brits

Liverpool as the “City of Pop”

• Merseybeat: The city’s musical scene in the 1960s, known as Merseybeat, featured many popular bands, including The Searchers and Gerry and the Pacemakers. 
• Music heritage: Liverpool’s contribution to popular music is so significant that the Guinness Book of Records named it the UK’s “City of Pop”. 
• Modern music scene: Today, the city has a vibrant live music scene, supported by its designation as a UNESCO “City of Music,” and it continues to produce world-class talent. 

• Seville, Spain: Recognized as the cradle of Flamenco music and dance.

Seville is widely regarded as the cradle of flamenco because it is deeply rooted in the city’s history and culture, particularly through its Romani population and iconic venues like the Triana neighborhood. The vibrant cultural mix of Arab, Gypsy, and indigenous Andalusian influences blended over centuries to form flamenco in southern Spain, and Seville played a pivotal role in its development. 

Cultural origins and development

• Cultural melting pot: For centuries, Seville’s strategic location made it a hub where diverse cultures, including Romani (Gypsy), Moorish, and Jewish traditions, interacted. This centuries-long intermingling of musical traditions, dance forms, and storytelling techniques is what produced the unique art form known as flamenco.
• The Triana neighborhood: Seville’s Triana district is historically significant as a prominent center for flamenco culture. It is recognized as the neighborhood where the art form flourished, with singers, dancers, and guitarists gathering in courtyards and squares to perform.
• The rise of cafés cantantes: Beginning in the mid-19th century, the first cafés cantantes (singing cafés) opened in Seville, creating public venues for flamenco performances. This helped professionalize the art form and brought it to a wider audience beyond the traditional family gatherings and private parties.
• Prominent artists: Over the years, Seville has produced and hosted many influential flamenco artists who have contributed significantly to the evolution of the form. Notable figures from Seville have helped shape its style and keep the tradition alive. 

Modern influence and heritage

• World-renowned events: Today, Seville is home to the Flamenco Biennial, one of the most important flamenco festivals in the world. This bi-annual festival attracts top artists and enthusiasts globally, reinforcing the city’s central role in the art form.
• Preservation and education: Flamenco is a fundamental part of Seville’s cultural identity and is kept alive through numerous venues, festivals, schools, and museums. The Flamenco Dance Museum provides visitors with a comprehensive look at the history and cultural significance of the dance.
• Tablaos and peñas: The city continues to host a variety of venues, from commercial tablaos offering choreographed performances to more intimate, local peñas (clubs) where flamenco is practiced and preserved by dedicated aficionados.
• UNESCO heritage: In 2010, UNESCO recognized flamenco as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, solidifying its importance on a global scale and honoring its deep roots in Andalusia. 

• Bologna, Italy: The first city to receive the designation, known for its classical music institutions and festivals.

Bologna, Italy, was the first city to be designated a UNESCO City of Music in 2006 and is known for its rich and diverse musical heritage, which includes classical, contemporary, and folk music. The city hosts numerous institutions, festivals, and events throughout the year, supporting a vibrant music scene that is deeply integrated into its cultural life.  

Musical heritage and institutions

• Classical and contemporary music: Bologna has a long history with classical music, but its designation as a UNESCO City of Music also recognizes the city’s vibrant contemporary and electronic music scenes. 
• Famous composers: The city has been a hub for renowned composers, including Mozart, Liszt, Rossini, and Donizetti. 
• Musical venues: The city is home to various venues for classical music, and has clubs and festivals that feature live music. 
• International festivals: Bologna hosts a variety of festivals, such as the Ocarina Festival, Porretta Soul Festival, and Varignana Music Festival. 

Music in the community

• Education: Bologna’s musical offerings are supported by institutions and educational programs for children and adults. 
• Cultural life: The city is known for its vibrant cultural life and creative economy, with music playing a significant role in its social and economic development. 
• International recognition: In 2006, UNESCO appointed Bologna as the first Italian city to be recognized in the “City of Music” category of the Creative Cities Network. 

🎶 Nashville: The Heartbeat of Country Music

Nashville, Tennessee proudly wears the nickname “Music City”—a title deeply rooted in its rich musical heritage. Here’s how it earned that reputation:

• Historic Origins: The nickname dates back to 1873 when Queen Victoria reportedly called Nashville a “music city” after hearing the Fisk Jubilee Singers perform during their European tour.

The statement refers to the origin of Nashville’s nickname, “Music City.”

The nickname is historically traced to 1873, when the Fisk Jubilee Singers—an African American a cappella group from Fisk University in Nashville—performed before Queen Victoria in England. She was so impressed by their harmonious voices and musical skill that she is said to have exclaimed that they “must come from a music city.” From that moment onward, Nashville became affectionately known as “Music City.”

This event marked the beginning of the city’s enduring global association with music, particularly gospel, and later, country music.

• Radio Revolution: In 1925, a local radio announcer popularized the term “Music City, U.S.A.” during a broadcast, further cementing its identity.
• Industry Powerhouse: Nashville boasts more music industry jobs per capita than New York or Los Angeles, with over 56,000 roles contributing more than $10 billion to the local economy.
• Studio Infrastructure: From the 1940s onward, the city developed a robust network of recording studios and embraced new technologies, helping country music evolve and thrive.
• Cultural Magnet: Iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry and Honky Tonk Highway attract artists and fans from around the world, making Nashville a pilgrimage site for music lovers.

Whether you’re chasing the twang of a steel guitar or exploring the roots of American music, Nashville is where the rhythm never stops.