In a message dated 8/29/03 2:18:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Ingmar
Krause writes:

> While he doesn't read sheet-music, Oliver makes even more outstanding
> music then I ever would be able to.  _But,_ he only arranges for
> himself, as he by now is standing on his own feet as probably Vienna's
> only full-time Werkelmann.  He doesn't play in the streets, though,
> but can be hired and is most original, if you encounter him in a
> Heurigen [wine bar] singing Viennese songs to his Ariston

When I was in Vienna about five years ago, there was a Heurigen pub
in the Boehmische Prater (Bohemian Prater neighborhood) called "Zum
Werkelmann" ("At the Organ-Grinder's").  I took a taxi one afternoon
out there to visit it, along with the Favoriten Water Works, a
Victorian era red brick water tower with its original steam pumping
machinery.  The pub was closed until evening, but I looked inside and
saw what appeared to be a standard Hoffbauer Harmonipan organ.  These
play from memory chips electronically, not by books or rolls, so are
less "romantic" by our tastes, but one could make a living arranging
music for the chips.

The point is, there may be _two_ organ grinders in Vienna.  The city
is big enough for plenty more!  The Kaerntnerstrasse could use one,
for certain.

I don't know whether this particular "Werkelmann" plays out at other
events and bars, or just at his own Heurigen.  I have heard live music
(accordion and singing the Viennese popular songs) at Heurigens and
strongly recommend the experience if you get the chance.

Mike Knudsen

 [ Visit "Zum Werkelmann" and proprietor Wolfgang Geissler at
 [ Laaer Wald 218, Boehmischer Prater, 1100 Wien.  -- Robbie