Glasbena pot Sophie Linhart

Following the sudden and untimely death of Anton Tomaž Linhart (1756–1795), a distinguished historian, poet, pioneer of Slovenian theatre, and erudite scholar, his widow Josepha found herself in a precarious situation. She sold their family home in Ljubljana and relocated to Vienna with her young daughters, Sophie and Amalia. This monograph ('Sophie Linhart’s Musical Career: In the Footsteps of A. T. Linhart’s Family') meticulously traces the lives of Linhart’s descendants, revealing the intricate paths they followed. The book’s seven chapters are united by a central theme: the role of music in Biedermeier bourgeois society. Special attention is given to Linhart’s daughter Sophie, who rose to prominence as an acclaimed concert and opera singer, a star of private music salons, and a figure of considerable social stature. The study offers fresh insights into the cultural and musical pulse of Vienna and Ljubljana during the early nineteenth century, re-evaluating the significance of music within bourgeois circles. Additionally, it delves into broader topics like the role and opportunities of women in the musical world and underscores the importance of biographical research in contemporary humanities.