The Vertigo Years

Paris 1900. The world’s fair shows all the facettes of modern technology: telephones, electronic cars, automatic pavements – everything is possible! The turn of the century comes with numerous changes. Scientists, philosophers, artists or psychoanalysts like Einstein, Freud, Marie Curie or Kandinsky develop a complete new view of the world and replace old theories. With these changes the aristocracy had difficulties to keep their nation under control. Queen Victoria dies, Franz Josef, Emperor of Austria rules an instable multi-ethnic state and tsar Nikolaus tries everything to keep his folks medieval – if necessary by shooting them.

The 20th century as we know it, arises in the years before 1914. People get mobile. Henry Ford invents the assembly line and cars become available for the masses. Regulated working hours create something called spare time. As women become a part of the working world, they start fighting for their rights. Aroused by England’s suffragettes a worldwide fight for women’s rights begins. Society creates a new self-awareness and sporting events such as football become extremely popular. But although it’s a time of progress and optimism, in Vienna anti-Semitism becomes socially acceptable.

The leisure industry booms, the popularity of cinemas grows, there are new debates about sexuality and common people can afford to go on holidays. Public transport carries masses to work or leisure activities. Seaside resorts, department stores, the entertainment industry – all an invention of this era. The price was paid by the colonies. 10 million people fell victim of Belgian King Leopold II’s greed. The most drastic change is created by artists such as Strauss, Strawinsky or Schönberg, who provoke massive scandals with their work but still influence the music of our times.