The music of Central Europe reflects its dual heritage as a rural, pastoral area and as the center of the great European culture that was nurtured by the court of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Classical music, opera, dance and theater all thrived in the cities of this region, while the people of the countryside retained a strong musical heritage of their own.

The music of Central Europe reflects its dual heritage as a rural, pastoral area and as the center of the great European culture that was nurtured by the court of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Classical music, opera, dance and theater all thrived in the cities of this region, while the people of the countryside retained a strong musical heritage of their own. The southern regions of Central Europe show the marked influence of Greek culture upon their musical traditions, while the more northern areas feature more Germanic styles. More subtle evidence has been left in individual regional styles by a host of other traders and invaders, including the Ottomans and Russians, as well as the Gypsies who passed through this area as well as much of Southern Europe.