Vienna City Of Dreams - Anton Karas

 

Zither Man

Vienna City Of Dreams

The Zither Magic Of Anton Karas

Decca Records PS 319

1963

From the back cover: It was shortly after the last war, while he was in Vienna looking over the locations of his forthcoming production "THE THIRD MAN", that producer Carol Reed was first fascinated by the wonderful melody being coaxed out of a zither. The musician was ANTON KARAS, who at that time played in one of the many wine-gardens to be found in Vienna. Shortly after this visit, Reed was mulling over various ideas for the film's soundtrack, when the idea came to him that, as the story was set in post-war Vienna, the zither would be ideal for this purpose, so he invited Karas to London to provide the incidental music.

When the film was released, Karas' music created as great a sensation as Reed's directing, Grahame Greene's script or the acting of the all-star cast (Orson Welles, Trevor Howard, Joseph Cotten). All the critics praised the back-ground music, and, as one writer put it, "His (Reed's) most spectacular innovation – without which the film would have lost half its power – is the music played entirely on a zither", which echoed the opinion of the majority.

After the film's release, offers poured in to Anton, from variety theatres, record companies and night-clubs. His 'fans' ranged from King George VI and Princess Margaret, to the thousands who crowded the music halls on his many bill-topping tours around the country. The nation seemed to go zither mad, and various novelty songs were written; some, such as George Formby's "Come Hither With Your Zither", were recorded and sold like hot cakes. Another aspect of this phenomenon, was the number of other 'acts' that toured the coun- try playing, for the most part badly, this difficult instrument, none of them, however, attained anything like the popularity of the originator. Eventually Anton returned to Austria, where he opened his own wine-garden, appropriately enough called "Zum Dritten Mann", or, if you prefer, "At the sign of The Third Man". This popular restaurant is set in beautiful surroundings in the village of Sievering, just a few kilometers from Vienna, where 'Mine Host' is only too pleased to oblige visitors by playing the lovely melodies of his country, on the unique and melodious instrument that he took to world fame.

All the songs featured in this album are associated with Vienna, as is the case with "VIENNA, CITY OF MY DREAMS". which captures the essence of this lovely city. Among the many tunes composed by Anton, are the two most closely associated with him, "CAFÉ MOZART WALTZ" and the irrepressible "HARRY LIME THEME"; these also are included in this programme, along with such favourites as "LILI MARLENE" and "IN GRINZING".

The instrument featured on this record, has for many centuries been the favourite musical instrument of the Tyrol and surrounding districts. It consists of a wooden box, which serves as a resonator, with strings, varying in number from thirty to forty-five, stretched over its surface. Of these a few lie over a fretted board and serve to produce the melody, the remainder being open strings, which are used for the accompaniment. The left-hand thumb 'stops' the melody strings, whilst they are played with a plectrum attached to the right-hand thumb; the accompaniment is played by the right-hand fingers. Surprising virtuosity and highly musical sounds are possible under the hands of a skillful performer, but this you will be able to hear for yourself when you listen to the acknowledged master of the zither, ANTON KARAS.

The Harry Lime Theme

Nothing Doin!

Drink Borthers Drink (Trink, Trink, Bruderlein)

Ottakringer 

In Grinzing

Im Prater Bluhn Wieder Die Baume

Lili Marlene

Vienna, City Of My Dreams

Zither Man

Mei Matzleinsdorf

Mein Herz Binkerl - Waltz

Liebes Wien, Du Stadt Der Lieder - Waltz

Mei Muatterl War A Wienerin - Polka

The Cafe Mozart Waltz