Waltzes from Vienna

A stern patriarch and conductor who demands discipline and tradition. He publicly ridicules his son’s waltz, challenging his ability to make a career as a composer. He guards the family legacy and the respect of Vienna’s musical establishment.

A gifted but headstrong violinist who longs for artistic independence. He falls for Resi and composes a waltz that could redefine his path, even as he contends with his father’s authority. His choices force him to balance love, ambition, and duty.

A bakery daughter with a quick wit and a singing heart who inspires Schani’s melodies. She becomes both muse and lover, pushing him toward a dream that may clash with practical life. Her loyalty is tested as plans and passions collide.

A glamorous aristocrat who manipulates circumstances to further her own social ambitions. She recognizes Schani’s talent and pursues control over the waltz and its publication. Her schemes create the danger and drama that propel the romance and music.

A bakery owner who loves Resi and competes with the romantic and artistic temptations around him. He faithfully rescues Resi during the crisis and embodies practical, grounded affection in contrast to the artistic dreams surrounding him.

A publisher who recognizes the commercial potential of Schani’s waltz and navigates the politics of venue, patronage, and fame. He helps bring the music to the public stage and represents the business side of art.

A noble rival who amplifies the social stakes and serves as a catalyst in the festival plot. His presence heightens the tension around the elder Strauss’s authority and the younger musician’s choices.

Resi’s father, a bakery owner who runs a bustling, working-class business. He provides the family’s livelihood and acts as a practical counterpoint to the artistic pursuits swirling around his daughter.