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The Emmy and Egon Wellesz Piano: A Permanent Exhibition at Exilarte Center Vienna

Explore the profound story of this historic Bösendorfer grand piano and its owners at the Exilarte Center.

The Exilarte Center invites you to delve into the captivating history of the Emmy and Egon Wellesz Bösendorfer grand piano. This permanent exhibition chronicles the instrument's journey from a wedding gift in Vienna to its relocation during emigration and eventual return. Learn about its significance and the cultural legacy of Emmy, an art historian, and Egon, a renowned composer.

About The Emmy and Egon Wellesz Piano at Exilarte Center in Vienna

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for The Emmy and Egon Wellesz Piano at Exilarte Center in Vienna

Exhibition summary

This permanent exhibition at the Exilarte Center showcases the Bösendorfer grand piano that belonged to Emmy and Egon Wellesz. It details the instrument's history, its association with the couple, and its journey back to Vienna following their emigration.

Curatorial context

The Exilarte Center presents a permanent exhibition dedicated to the Bösendorfer grand piano owned by art historian Emmy Wellesz and composer Egon Wellesz. The exhibition traces the history of this significant instrument, from its purchase as a wedding present by Emmy's father in 1909 to its relocation to Oxford following the couple's emigration in July 1938. It highlights the close relationship Emmy maintained with Les Thompson, a music teacher and student of Egon Wellesz, who eventually acquired the piano. The narrative follows the piano's path through auction and its eventual acquisition by the mdw's exil.arte Center in March 2016, its transport back to Vienna, and its restoration by Gert Hecher, culminating in its presentation in May 2017 as part of the exhibition “I return to Vienna when I compose”. Biographical details about Emmy Wellesz (1889-1987), an art historian specializing in Byzantine studies, and Egon Wellesz (1885-1974), a composer and musicologist focused on early music, new music, and Byzantine neumes, are provided. The Bösendorfer grand piano is identified as a "Mahogany Model 4" (225 cm), built between November 1908 and February 1909, with sales number 18913 and serial number 10081. This exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of cultural displacement and the enduring legacy of artists and intellectuals.

Admission and ticket notes

This is a permanent exhibition at the Exilarte Center. Further details on visiting and admission can likely be found on the museum's main website.

The Emmy and Egon Wellesz Piano key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for The Emmy and Egon Wellesz Piano at Exilarte Center in Vienna

Venue
Exilarte Center
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
From May 1, 2017
Artist line / attribution
Features the history and legacy of Emmy Wellesz, art historian, and Egon Wellesz, composer and musicologist.
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