GESELLSCHAFT DER iiSTERREICHI SCHEN MUSIKFREITNDE, ge-zeFshlift der Vster-rireIsh-en nfeii,zektfroinide (Ger., Society of Austrian Friends of Music). One of the oldest orchestral organizations in Europe. It was the direct outcome of a festival concert given in Vienna on November 29, 1812, in aid of the suf ferers from the war with France. The work per formed was Handel's Timotheus, which was re ceived so favorably that the performance was repeated December 3d. Then Sonnleithner issued a circular urging all persons interested in music to form a society for the performance of larger works. Many lovers of the art responded, so that in 1814 the statutes of the new society were ap proved by the Emperor Francis I. At the head of this organization was a 'Protector,' who was always a nobleman. The first protector was Bee thoven's pupil, the Archduke Rudolf. In 1835 the office of protector was abolished, and a presi dent elected, who for many years was also a nobleman. But in 1867 artistic considerations led to the election of the citizen Dr. F. Egger. For the first five years the programmes consisted of oratorios; then mixed programmes were substi tuted, and even choral works were not excluded.
All members were on an equal footing. The con ductor was chosen by lot from among the mem bers, many of whom were amateurs. Symphonies were performed in a curious and inartistic man ner, Italian arias being interspersed between the different movements until as late as 1846. Not before 1824 was a symphony (the Eroica) per formed consecutively and in its entirety. After 1840 the artistic standard of the society declined. Programmes were arranged with bad taste, the execution became careless, and new works and composers were ignored. The establishment of the Akademie der Tonkunst in 1851 led to a radical reform of the Gesellschaft, Hellmesberger being then elected a conductor. This ambitious and energetic musician filled the places of amateurs by professional musicians, offered artistic pro grammes, and brought the orchestra to a high de gree of technical efficiency. New composers now also found a ready hearing. This work was con tinued by the new conductor Herbeck, who was elected in 1859, and ever since its concerts have been among the musical events of Vienna. Among the conductors of the Gesellschaft have been Brahms and Richter.