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Peter Blum – Viennese Songs and Sweet and Dry Wine
Viennese traditional songs (Wiener Lieder) have been around for a very long time. They tell of drinking and death - and reflect a once morbid time of Viennese thinking. And, these Viennese songs have always been sung with one or two glasses of Viennese wine at the Heuriger – inns that only serve wine. And, as everyone knows, sad songs and good wine are made for each other.
But, people are changing. And, these Viennese songs are sadly becoming a thing of the past. But, not quite, there is hope.
Thanks to the efforts of many musicians, Viennese songs are being played once again. And, Peter Blum and two of his friends are amongst those who are playing them. And, Peter Blum and his friends are very good singers and players. Their concerts – always at Heurigers - are always sold out and people are calling for more. And, Peter Blum, his friends, and many others, too, are giving their best. Viennese songs are very important.
And, Viennese songs are a very big part of the city's deep culture and history. They are on par with Mozart and Strauss, Wiener schnitzel, and Viennese wine. Viennese songs belong to the heart of the city.
Of course, people still drink, people still sing, and people still want to have fun. Viennese songs will still be around for a very long time. Drinking and death are part of the game. Open a bottle and let's sing a song!
Peter Blum – Viennese Songs and Sweet and Dry Wine
Vocabulary
but, not quite, there is hope - aber nicht ganz, es gibt Hoffnung
efforts – Bemühungen
on par with Mozart and Strauss . . . - auf Augenhöhe mit Mozart und Strauss . . .
once - einmal
once again – wieder einmal
reflect – spiegeln
sold out – ausverkauft
Picture Post
Donkey Riding - Whitby beach, England, 2010. Where are the children now?