Innenansicht des Theaters an der Wien, um 1840 - Fotografie eines anonymen Holzstichs aus dem 19. Jahrhundert

The theatre "Theater an der Wien" was being inaugurated in 1801. It was directed by Emanuel Schikaneder (1751-1812), who became famous being the author of the text of Mozart's Opera "Die Zauberflöte" ("The Magic Flute"). Many of Ludwig van Beethoven's works had their premiere in this theatre: the Oratorio "Christus am Ölberge" op. 85 ("Christ on the Mount of Olives"), the Second Symphony (D Major op. 36), and the Third Piano Concerto (C Minor op. 37) in 1803; two years thereafter, the "Sinfonia eroica" (E Flat Major op. 55), and in 1806 the Violin Concerto (D Major op. 61).

On December 22, in 1808 Beethoven gave a concert at the "Theater an der Wien", which became famous due to the length of the program alone: The Fifth and the Sixth Symphony (C Minor op.67 and F Major op. 68) had been performed as well as the Fantasy for Piano, Choir and Orchestra op. 80 and some sections of the Mass in C Major op. 86.

In 1803 Emanuel Schikaneder commissioned Beethoven to compose an opera called "Vestas Feuer" ("Vesta's fire") and offered him a free apartment on the second floor of the theatre building. But Beethoven soon abandoned this project, since he found Schikaneder's text too weak. However, this project initiated Beethoven in the end to compose his Opera "Fidelio", which had its premiere in the "Theater an der Wien" in 1805.(S.B.)