Doesn’t this plaque dedicated to the Barden zu Wien seem like a silent witness to a vibrant history? The Barden zu Wien Plaque commemorates a Studentenverbindung in Vienna. This is no ordinary plaque. It marks a legacy of music, tradition, and camaraderie.
Let’s delve into the story of the Universitats-Sängerschaft Barden zu Wien. It emerged from the fusion of two prominent student societies. These were the Akademische Sängerschaft ‘Ghibellinen’ zu Wien and the Technisch-Akademische Sängerschaft Nibelungen. The roots of ‘Ghibellinen’ trace back to the Akademischer Gesangverein founded in 1858. The ‘Nibelungen’ followed in 1892.
Imagine the music-filled halls of 19th-century Vienna. Jurists gathered in 1855. They formed a Liedertafel in Karl von Enderes’s home. Under Rudolf Weinwurm, they ventured into the Wienerwald. In 1856, they decided to establish an academic Gesangverein in Neuwaldegg. In 1858, the Akademischer Gesangverein at the University of Vienna was approved. Concerts and Sängerfahrten filled their early years.
In 1863, the AGV evolved into a lifelong association. Graduates could remain members. They fostered connections with academic Gesangvereine in other cities. The A.G.V. opened its doors to students from other Viennese universities. The Akademischer Gesangverein gained prominence through musical performances. Leading musicians directed these grand events. Richard Wagner, Theodor Billroth, Anton Bruckner, Georg Reimers, and Ignaz Machanek became honorary members. By 1904, they adopted full colors. The A.G.V. became a hub for travel and social gatherings within the Bürgerlich-liberal movement. They organized luxurious trips including a Mediterranean cruise in 1909 and an American tour in 1910.
World War I brought an abrupt end to this era. Yet, Viennese Korporationsleben soon revived. From 1918 to 1920, the A.G.V. transformed into the Akademische Sängerschaft ‘Ghibellinen’ zu Wien. They joined the Deutsche Sängerschaft and gained the right to wear colors at the University of Vienna. By 1924, the Studentenverbindung was known as the Universitats-Sängerschaft. It quickly rose to prominence among national, schlagende Korporationen. Members actively participated in Mensurgeschehen and excelled in their professions. Johann Schober and Julius Wagner v. Jauregg were notable honorary members.
In 1931, the “Seipel-Partien” affair caused a stir. The Sängerschaft faced 23 severe Säbelmensuren. This was due to their participation in honoring Ignaz Seipel. He had made disparaging remarks about schlagende Korporationen. In 1932, the ‘Ghibellinen-Haus’ was adapted as a Korporationshaus. It symbolized spatial and organizational independence.
The Ghibellinen faced challenges during World War II. The house remained undamaged unlike the Technisch-akademischen Sängerschaft Nibelungen. Performances of the “Heiteren Viersanges der Universitäts-Sängerschaft ‘Ghibellinen’ zu Wien” were successful. The group participated in the 10th German Sängerbundfest in Vienna in 1928.
In 1933, the rise of political tensions led to their expulsion from the Deutsche Sängerschaft. The Austrian Studentenverbindungen were dissolved by the Nazi regime after the “Anschluss Österreichs”. The Universitats-Sängerschaft ‘Ghibellinen’ zu Wien had to remove their colors on June 8, 1938. Many properties were illegally expropriated. The Ghibellinen were strictly persecuted because they maintained friendships with Jewish Studentenverbindungen.
After the war, Eduard Hoffmann and Karl Kontrus reunited former members. In 1949, they founded the Akademischer Gesangverein in Wien. In 1952, it became the Akademische Sängerschaft Barden. In 1959, they were granted the title Universitats-Sängerschaft again.
Today, the Sängerschaft has over 100 members. All active members learn fencing. They are obligated to participate in the choir and attend Convents. The choir rehearses weekly and performs publicly. The Sängerschaft maintains a connection to tradition. It carries a rich history within Vienna’s academic and musical landscape. The Barden zu Wien Plaque stands as a testament to their enduring legacy.