World renowned musical composers, scholars, philosophers and actors comprise the famous Austrians.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Goethe born in Frankfurt in 1749 was a lawyer by profession. But he is universally renowned as a poet and writer. Goethe's “Götz von Berlichingen mit der eisenen Hand” published in 1773, made him the chief representative for the Sturm und Drang movement. Apart from being a literary figure, he undertook several scientific researches while traveling in Italy. In 1794 he cultivated a new style of writing called the Weimarer Klassik in association with his friend Friedrich Schiller. Goethe is a famous Austrian worldwide reputed as an important literary personality.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart is the world renowned master of classical music born in Austria. He was a child prodigy and presented his first musical performance at the age of 5 in a Europe tour. He was highly acclaimed by the royals of Europe. His famous compositions include "The Magic Flute" and the unfinished “Requiem”. He was buried at St. Marx Cemetery in 1791 and 60 years later a monument was erected to commemorate the great musician.
Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven is the most celebrated singer and instrumentalist acknowledged worldwide. He moved to Austria at an early age and worked with great personalities like Mozart and Joseph Haydn. His famous compositions include "Eroica Symphonie", "Symphonie No.5" and "Choral Symphony, No.9". In 1814 he performed his one and only concert "Fidelio".
Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud is reputed for his brilliant psychological study which later came to be known as the Freudian psychoanalysis. In his childhood Freud was a brilliant student and he easily enrolled himself in the medical school. In Vienna he started practicing neuropsychiatry which is related to the study of conscious and subconscious mind. He earned recognition for his revolutionary theories on id, ego and superego. Freud's psychoanalysis formed the basis of modern psychological treatments. Besides, his researches on hysteria, Oedipus complex, Oedipus complex, the interpretation of dreams or the working of jokes are revolutionary works in psychological fields and interesting reading.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger is the famous Austrian to be the most successful Hollywood action hero. He wanted to become a soccer player and at an early age he acquired a perfect body and muscles. He joined the Austrian army but sent to military jail for participating and wining the Mr. Universe junior. He was pardoned and in 1968 he won the International Powerlifting Championship. He won the Mr. Universe twice and Mr. Olympia consecutively from 1970-75 and often referred to as the Austrian Oak. In 1970 he started his film career. The hit list of his movies include ‘Conan the Barbarian', 'Terminator', "Terminator 2: Judgement Day", Twins", "Total Recall" and the current release "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines".
Ingeborg Bachmann
Born in Carinthia, Ingeborg Bachmann studied philosophy, psychology and German at the Universities of Innsbruck, Linz and Vienna. She also earned a doctorate in philosophy. In her collections of poetry “The Respite” and “The Invocation of the Great Bear”, she criticized the post-war society. Her other works include her autobiography “The Thirtieth Year”, first novel “Malina”, “Franza's Case” and “Requiem for Fanny Goldmann”. The last two were published unfinished. She is a great Austrian writer and highly praised for her female studies.
Other famous Austrians
- Johann Strauss Jr.
- Johann Strauss Sr.
- Joseph Haydn
- Johannes Brahms
- Franz Schubert
- Falco
- DJ Ötzi
