Vom Techniker-Kränzchen zum Ball der Industrie und Technik
History
The origins of today’s Ball of Industry and Technology can be traced back more than 170 years to the activities of the Techniker-Kränzchen-Comité, which were first documented in 1842. The net proceeds from the Techniker-Kränzchen events were used to support deserving students in financial need at the Imperial and Royal Polytechnic Institute in Vienna, the predecessor of today’s TU Wien. This tradition continues to this day, with the net proceeds from the Ball of Industry and Technology benefiting research and teaching at TU Wien.
Closer involvement with industry began in 1931, when the Techniker Ball was renamed the Ball of Technology and Industry. Twenty years later, it received its present name: the Ball of Industry and Technology.
Industrialisation Inspired the Strauss Family
The age of industrialisation, with its many inventions and innovations, inspired great enthusiasm and high expectations – sentiments that also captivated the renowned musicians and composers of the time.
In 1842, Josef Lanner dedicated his waltz Geistesschwingen to the “students of technology in Vienna”.
In 1847, Johann Strauss I composed the Techniker Ball Tänze and the waltz Die Adepten.
Johann Strauss II composed numerous works with similar dedications, including the Electro-magnetische Polka in 1852, the Motor-Quadrille in 1853, the waltz Accelerationen in 1860 and the Electrofor-Polka schnell in 1865.
Josef Strauss, himself a graduate of the Imperial and Royal Polytechnic Institute in Vienna, was suddenly inspired to compose the waltz Mein Lebenslauf ist Lieb’ und Lust while conducting at the Techniker Ball in 1868. The slip of paper on which he hastily wrote down the notes of the main melody remained in the possession of the Techniker-Cercle for many years, but was unfortunately lost during the Second World War. Since then, this waltz has traditionally been performed as the opening waltz of our Ball.
Josef Strauss also dedicated the waltzes Streichmagnete and Combinationen to the engineering community in 1863 and 1865 respectively, as well as the polka française Tanz-Regulator in 1868.
Eduard Strauss composed several dances dedicated to the Techniker Ball Committee and inspired by contemporary technological inventions, including the Telephon-Polka in 1878, the fast polka Hectograph in 1880 and the polka mazurka Herzenstelegraf in 1881.
Surviving historical records show that Johann Strauss I, Johann Strauss II, Josef Strauss and Eduard Strauss all personally conducted at our soirées and balls.
Ladies’ Gifts
As a traditional gift for the ladies attending the Ball, the organisers presented elaborately crafted miniature models of the latest technological inventions and constructions of the day, such as an Edison phonograph or the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel. These miniatures could be attached to a ball gown with a small hook.
The Ball
During the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, a member of the Imperial Family traditionally served as patron of the Ball. From 1892 to 1911, this role was held by Archduke Ferdinand Karl, followed in 1912 by Archduke Leopold Salvator.
During Austria’s First Republic, leading political figures, including the serving Federal Chancellor, assumed patronage of the Ball. In the Second Republic, the Balls of Industry and Technology have been held under the honorary patronage of the respective Federal Presidents or Federal Chancellors, who have also personally opened the Ball on numerous occasions.
The Young Ladies’ and Young Gentlemen’s Committee, led by the Ball Presidents, opens the Ball with a polonaise, the Fledermaus Quadrille and the traditional Viennese waltz danced anticlockwise to Josef Strauss’s Mein Lebenslauf ist Lieb’ und Lust.
The ceremonial entrance of guests of honour, including representatives from industry and business, followed by university rectors and members of government, reflects the Ball’s importance as a major social occasion. Its close ties with TU Wien are further highlighted by the large number of distinguished academics in attendance.
The Ball’s guests are primarily members of the Techniker-Cercle together with their friends and families. Each year, the Techniker-Cercle organises the event, with the dedication of numerous volunteers ensuring both a splendid night of celebration and a successful outcome.
The lively atmosphere is enhanced by the many young guests eager to take to the dance floor and by two orchestras alternating in the Golden Hall – one specialising in Viennese waltzes and the other in international ballroom dancing. The disco in the Glass Hall offers modern rhythms and a change of scene with a more relaxed bar atmosphere.
The Midnight Quadrille, in which every guest is invited to take part, is one of the highlights of the evening.
Those who remain until the traditional end of the Ball at 5.00 am are rewarded with a contemplative finale as Brüderlein fein is performed with the gentlest sound of violins.
For many years, the Ball of Industry and Technology has been distinguished by its unique combination of technology, industry, business and science with the vitality of youth. With its genuine elegance and festive atmosphere, it ranks among the social highlights of the Viennese ball season.