“Donaulandschaft mit Schloss Wörth” (Albrecht Altdorfer (c. 1530))

You may not know it by name, but you would instantly recognize the music of Johan Strauss’ waltz “An der schönen, blauen Donau” from its use in film. Called “The Blue Danube” in English, it’s a perky waltz in which the horns and woodwinds seem to flow back and forth between speedy joyful sections and slower serene moments.

Listen to a clip from “The Blue Danube”

The Danube River has long inspired artwork, and this was especially true during the early 16th century when a few Renaissance painters began to use it as inspiration for a new style of painting. Defined in modern times as the Danube School, their artworks are landscape-focused with rugged terrain, evocative forests, golden-hued lighting and small human elements that are dwarfed by the prominent beauty of nature.

“Donaulandschaft mit Schloss Wörth” (Albrecht Altdorfer (c. 1530))