Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde, Wien

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Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde, Wien (Society of Friends of Music, Vienna). Founded 1813, through efforts of Joseph von Sonnleithner, with Beethoven's friend and pupil, Archduke Rudolph, as patron, to perf. oratorios in the Riding School, but later had own home. Also founded cons., library, and museum. A choral soc., Singverein, of over 300 members, was founded 1858, and an Orchesterverein in 1860. Gesellschaft concerts were cond. by members until 1851 when Hellmesberger was appointed. Successors incl. Brahms, Gericke, Richter, Franz Schalk, and Furtwängler. The soc. archives contain priceless manuscripts by Beethoven (Sinfonia Eroica), Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Wagner, and Johann Strauss II. Also possesses Beethoven's ear-trumpet.