Elegant Revolutions

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the theatrical and musical dynasty into which Steiner was born. It begins by introducing his father, Gabor, a visionary entrepreneur honored by Emperor Franz Joseph. Gabor created one of Austria’s most popular attractions of the late 19th century: Venice in Vienna, an amusement emporium a third the size of Buckingham Palace. Its centerpiece, the Riesenrad (Ferris Wheel), remains one of Vienna’s most iconic attractions. Gabor’s father, Maximilian, was an influential theater manager who did much to launch the era of Viennese operetta. It was Maximilian who convinced Johann Strauss Jr. to write for the stage, leading to such enduring works as Die Fledermaus. In this chapter, we see how the Steiner family’s championing of both “high” and “low” culture profoundly shaped Max, who later combined symphonic forms with accessible melodies in his own musical language.