Also: “The Culture Week” and “Icons of Austria – The Snow Globe” – from 9:05 a.m. on ORF 2
Vienna (OTS) – The “matinee” on the second Sunday of Advent, December 10, 2023, at 9:05 a.m. on ORF 2, will first trace old customs and traditions and show what has changed at Christmas since the Baroque era. Afterwards, the portrait “The Pianist Menahem Pressler – The Life I Love” (9:50 a.m.) focuses on the exceptional artist of the same name, who died in May this year and whose birthday is 100 years old on December 16th. “The Culture Week” (10.35 a.m.) with current reports and tips is followed at the end of the morning presented by Clarissa Stadler with an edition of the short series “Icons of Austria” (10.45 a.m.) about “The Snow Globe”.
“Baroque Christmas” (9:05 a.m.)
In her documentary, director Anita Lackenberger revives the baroque Christmas traditions including their culinary specialties. Elaborate play scenes in historical costumes at Hof Castle and Niederweiden Castle in Marchfeld, Lower Austria, provide an insight into the Advent and Christmas seasons of yesteryear: from the Kathrein dance on November 25th, which initiated Advent, to St. Nicholas Day, on which children are presented with apples , nuts and gingerbread were given until December 24th, which was a strict fasting day – festive feasting was only allowed after Christmas mass and on the following holidays. The popular bratwurst was created in the Baroque era and is still popular today. Seasoned with plenty of cinnamon and pepper, even meat that was no longer completely fresh tasted good for longer. Smoked and dried versions were often kept as supplies, while fresh sausages were intended for the “slaughter festival” before Christmas. Rich households treated themselves to fine lime donuts, marzipan cakes or the latest fashionable drink: “hot chocolate”, thickly boiled down and sugared. Everyone was supposed to get a piece of Christmas stollen – but with a sugar-butter topping it was only reserved for the “rulers”. However, two traditions that are indispensable today did not exist in the Baroque era: the Christmas tree and Christmas cookies.
“The Pianist Menahem Pressler – The Life I Love” (9:50 a.m.)
He was the soul and anchor of the internationally acclaimed Beaux Arts Trio, which made chamber music history for more than 50 years. In 2008, when the trio disbanded, Menahem Pressler took off again at the age of 85, took up his solo career again and has since played with the world’s most important orchestras. The exceptional artist led an eventful life. He grew up in Magdeburg, fled to Israel to escape the National Socialists, and finally made his home in America. Grete Liffers’ documentary attempts to get closer to this fascinating musician and person. His deep love for music and music itself seem to have been his fountain of youth.