#tales from the Vienna woods

[trexalicious]

[esteemed-excellency]

I am So Normal about this.

[aoi-watarimono]

Happy belated 83rd birthday, Bugs Bunny!

Credit goes to @outouni for doing this commission of Kirlia dressed as prima ballerina Bugs Bunny from the Tales from the Vienna Woods segment of A Corny Concerto on January 20, 2023.

[peterlorrefanpage]

Peter Lorre and Carola Neher in the premiere of "Tales from the Vienna Woods" (Geschichten aus dem Wienerwald), Deutsches Theater, Berlin, November 1931.

Imagine being there when it was new - happening - live.

Here's a pulled-back shot:

And now with a newspaper!

Another scene! Here Peter is with Lucie Höflich:

He's got a look of Polo about him mixed with Louis "The Dope" and Editor Stix. That innocent baby face and open grin, but I'm not so sure about those eyes... *sizzle*

Previous post about the same play

[house-of-mirrors]

[poemsandpromises]

Some old pics of Nic ❤️

Nicola Walker has taken to our stages on many occasions. From Free (2002), Tales from the Vienna Woods (2003) and Edmond (2003) to Gethsemane (2008) and Seasons Greetings (2010)

She then took to the stage and the big screen with National Theatre Live in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime (2012). More recently she was nominated for an Olivier for Best Actress for playing the iconic Miss Moffat The Corn is Green (2022).

📸 Manuel Harlan, Sheila Burnett, Catherine Ashmore, Keith Pattison, Johan Persson

[vverago]

THE WHITE CROW BURNS

By Vienna Godoy

A 2,357 word excerpt of my novella wip, We Sang in the Wood: A Series of Short Stories of Animal Myths, for acereadsandwrites on Instagram

Check outside my insta: vverarosa.go to see more of this work

Summary:

They say crows, beautiful messengers of Apollo, used to be as white as swans. Until, one crow is caught within the betrayal of her Master’s lover: Coronis. In return, Apollo burns her wings to ash.

The little crow shares her tale to a bevy of swans, whom are dying to spoil her secret, while Apollo hunts her sisters.

Amongst the rustling of the groves, a Raven catches the air. She violently dashes through the leaves with her feathers dripping with ink and ash. In the middle of the tangling forest, resides a dark pond hidden by the overcast of branches– only little pools of sunlight strike the water in glittery waves. The Raven crashes onto a tree, groaning at the pain as her eyes spot a shimmer of ivory. 

Across the wine ridden water, a bevy of Swans sing together in a haunting harmony. The dissonance calms the heart of the Crow, and urges her to come closer to their song. The Crow pants, creeping around the rays, meeting the edge of the pond. She cries at the beauty of the pale feathers that gleam without a speck of dirt. 

“Hark, snow painted Swans!” She caws loudly with her wings flapping, “Your beauty shines no more than the sun. You wouldn’t dare believe that I nearly shared the same radiance.” 

A few Swans glance at the little Crow, who wallows at the pondside. Her wings cake in the mud. 

One gave her a haughty laugh, “You? With your feathers soaked in the mud and burnt like ash? Of course we wouldn’t dare believe your pitiful, self-seeking tale.”

The Crows sniffs at his snide laugh as the others honk in laughter. “I only speak the truth as is my duty as a messenger! My wings were pure as yours, iridescent in the light! The Keeper of the Sun has cursed me, but I dare not speak his name! His light burnt my wings– Oh, how painful they feel!”

Her accusation earns their interest, and they crane their necks towards her. They honk and shout over each other, twisting to ask her for her story.

The Crow sighs, wings tucking into her gray sides. “Very well, but know that it pains me to tell! My sisters and I lived in the heavens where the gods danced in the clouds. The skies are always bright there, the Storm King hates to rain on his kingdom.

“Despite the plethora of gods, there was only one we liked to dance and sing with: the young boy of the Sun. He loved us! He’d feed us from his dark, sun-soaked hands. In return, we feed him news of the mortal word as his lips would kiss our crooked beaks lovingly.

“One day, I was flying through Thessaly when horror struck! A hunter pierced my wing with an arrow! As I tumbled through the city, I spotted the princess on her porch. Her hair was like midnight, as if I could drown in it. And her eyes were just as dark against her pale skin.

“The Thessalian princess smiled at me radiantly as I stumbled into her yard. She lifted me into her hands before stroking my feathers and kissing my head.

“‘You poor thing!’ She cried, carrying me into her room. ‘Oh, sit very still!’

“She had set me on a bed of soft quilts, nestling me like a chick, as she tended my wound. I chirped and cawed as the pain left. Once I was tended to, she cradled me in arms for the night.

“‘How lovely to meet you, little Raven.’ She whispered to me. ‘I am Coronis; I hope you shall visit me often.’ Once the Sun appeared in the sky, I flew back to share the young god with my news.

“‘Little Crow,’ He smiled warmly. ‘Your sisters shared fascinating news last night: stories of Ares’ growing wars in Crete; of a child with beauty akin to Aphrodite in the Ionian Sea. Yet, you were the only one absent! I hope your night was filled with tales.’

“I bowed, spreading my beautiful white wings. ‘My Master, my day was treacherous, yet my night was peaceful. Hark! See my wing as an unlucky hunter has missed his prey.’ My master then kissed my beak and wings in folly. ‘But, a young princess of Thessaly took me in and nursed me back to health! I owe her many thanks and visits.’

“He was so enamored by my tale, finding himself daring to meet the kind princess who cared for his friend. And so, mid-day, he carried me on his golden chariot to the beautiful city. I perched on his shoulder as we searched her garden, and finally found the inky haired royalty onto a stone stool– sewing a little scarf. My master transformed himself. Now understand, my pale friends, the light of a god is powerful! I nearly went blind from his beacon, but my feathers could stand the heat of a dying star!”

The eldest Swan honks, “A dying star! Well, no longer, can you now?”

The Raven’s feathers ruffle and her eyes flitter towards the little pools of sunlight growing through the trees. “Hush!” She shouts, whispering the end.

“And continue to heed my tale. The young god was immediately stricken by her beauty. His ambrosia eyes were glittering, and he nearly fainted in my wings! However, he rose himself up. His delicate golden curls bounced delightfully on his dark skin as he took a step to her. I immediately fluttered to my friend– cooing the best I could. The Thessalian princess smiled wonderfully at me, and my heart nearly burst from my chest as she kissed my head.

“‘Hello again, little Raven.’ That darling Coronis whispered. Her kisses ceased with her gasp. ‘Oh! You brought a friend.’

“I peek out from her neck, watching the sun god admire the sight. He smiles softly, a gentle regal poise that hides his boisterous godhood. I watched him bow to the princess, telling her he was the son of a visiting merchant– looking forward to meeting the king’s children.

“Coronis grinned. ‘There is only one, Young Master. And, she is I.’ She set me on the ground, standing with grace to bow. ‘I am Princess Coronis of Thessaly, at your service, Young Lord.’

“And so, the sun god kissed her hand and gave her a fake name: Ellios, after his old friend.”

“Our dear Helios!” A swan wept. “Oh, we knew his story well. That young wretched god took his home in the sky without any thanks!”

“Don’t you lie about my Master!” The Raven shouted.

“You are no longer his servant, little Raven!” The elder Swan stated. “He has casted you out, we can say what we please about him, and you can continue your story about him.”

The Raven’s feathers ruffle at his words, but she sighs. “Very well, I suppose I have no control of that nor does my Master. But, please!” She pleads, eyes gazing at the sun settling in the trees. “Take caution for my own safety! I can see his chariot searching for me. But, to continue my tale:

“My Master and Princess Coronis quickly became close friends, alongside my friendship with Coronis. They would flock in the fields, confide with each other in the garden. I would linger in their escapades, and my dear Coronis always found ways to include me. At night, when Ellios left, Coronis would keep me close to her chest and kiss my head.

“She whispered. ‘How I wish you could join me, little Raven, beautiful specimen. You always can find me, caring for me like a dear friend. Yet, you can never stay, wings cannot run.’

“I truly loved her, understand! I wished for the sun god to give me legs, so that I may run with them and kiss her hand like he does. He refused, dismissing me with a coldness like the dark side of the moon.

“Without a word he left, and I followed him around the world and back to Thessaly. There, the princess’s chambers, laid her and the sun god in gentle embrace– to my utter horror! He had taken my place upon her bosom! I fled, crying to my sisters, yet they only berated me!

“‘Falling for a human! You insane bird! Won’t that sun god have your head!’”

“And, how right they are!” The swans shouted. “Such is forbidden love, it could never be!”

“And, how correct you would be!” The Raven cried as moonlight drifted overhead.

“Those nights continued the same, until Coronis no longer had me as her nightly companion… Replaced by her new lover, that damned god, we grew distant. I fled to the heavens, distracting myself with my sisters’ follies.

“Until, Ellios called me to the earth, asking me to watch over his love– the princess– as she was full with a child.”

The swans gasp and honk in surprise!

“My reaction was just like yours! But, loyal as a bird can be, I flew down to Greece again. And, Coronis greeted me with kisses as though I never left. And, my Master was true! Her belly was swollen, her cheeks softened– pink as roses! She glowed brighter than his chariot dragging the sun! I watched her like a hawk.

“During the day, I watched her tend her garden as other men would bother her for her hand. Once I relayed this to Ellios, his face darkened, and he instructed me to return to the Earth.

“‘Peck out their eyes! Might they never see her beauty; only I deserve it!’ He cried, shaking me by the wings in fury.

“And, so I swoop down, plucking and pecking the pretty eyes of the princes and dukes who dare enter my princess’ garden. At night, Coronis thanked me every night with kisses. Her baby’s heart beated gently, and I would slumber to its lullaby.

I had fled far into the garden, where a large fountain rested. There, I wept with joy. I felt so free with my princess. But, my head swarmed, scared if Ellios would treat me as he does the princes. I wanted nothing more than to love Coronis. Tears of gold stream into the fountain off my feathers. In a bright flash, a goddess revealed herself to me! Stunning with rainbows, the darling Iris!”

The swans squawk in glee. “Oh, our darling Iris! Gentle goddess!”

“Yes! Yes! The goddess is so kind! She beckoned me closer, speaking sweetly, ‘Oh pretty Raven. Your sisters tell me of your troubles; I wish nothing more than to calm your worries.’

“My heart warms at the goddess, and I finally crow, ‘I love her! I wish only for her happiness! But, my Master is a jealous man.

“He lives in the Heavens, asking me to watch over her– angered when she expresses love for another or others for her, he asked me to remove her from their vision.’ What will you have me do, lovely goddess!’ I asked.

“‘Tonight, before you lay down with your princess. Drink the water of this fountain and look into the mirror. When you wake, you will find something new.’

“As she faded into the rainbow of the water, I followed her instructions: drinking the water as the sun setted. When I returned, Coronis greeted me with sobs and warmth. As her tears fell onto my white feathers, I nuzzled into her chest and pecked lightly on her cheek. Crying softly turned into lullabies.

“When I rose, the world was spinning. Her room felt small in my blurry vision. I glanced down at my Princess… Down? I asked myself. My crow feet dragged on the ground, strangely heavy. And in the mirror, just as Iris promised, wasn’t a little white crow… But rather, a girl. A girl with pure ivory hair and skin that would make any Greek woman jealous. The only thing I could recognize was her dark eyes, beady irises.

“When Coronis awoke, she screamed! I darted to her, shushing her, holding her hands. ‘Coronis! My dearest friend, don’t shout! It’s me! Your little Raven.’

“Coronis gasped, pulling me closer, ‘Little Raven? My darling bird?’ She cups my face leaving my heart pounding as she bores her eyes into mine. I watched her eyes grow before she pulled me close. ‘Oh my, my friend! What god has blessed me? Blessed us? Oh, what great fortune! Knowing you can now speak to me, I don’t feel as lonely. I dreamed of this conversation for years.’ We smile, lingering with stares, before I lay beside her and kiss her head.

“‘I’ve longed for you to hear me.’ I whispered.

“We didn’t leave her soft bed for the whole day; instead, we kissed each other and talked like long lost friends. I became her personal handmaid, and she called me Ischys. For weeks, I watched over my princess– finally able for her to rest on my bosom. I watched her belly, nearly due. My sisters would visit, questioning when I would return to share my news with the Master. But, I couldn’t leave my new body– not even if I wished.

“But, the peace could not continue as one night, when I laid with Coronis and she was kissing my new name into my skin, the sun god had snuck into the window. He shouted at us in rage, crying that one of my sisters had told him! Coronis begged him to stop, but the fury of a god is a powerful thing.

“With his magic, he stripped my arms into wings, and I watched his human form transform into a godly light. Coronis shielded herself, but his light began to burn my skin! It boiled and stung, yet I fled– as fast as my wings could carry me. As my wings dripped ivory and into ink, I stumbled into your pond. Where I now hide from his fury.”

“And Coronis? What has come of her?” The Swans asked.

And, the Raven cried. “I don’t know! I miss her so much, but I know in my heart she still breathes with her child!

“But, now you know. But listen closely, he now searches for my sisters because of my doing. Do not let him burn their beautiful wings! I beckon you, dearly beautiful friends, seal this tale from your songs! For their sake!”

.-.-.-.-.

Hope you enjoyed <3

Check outside my insta to see more of this work

[pearwaldorf]

The article about audience members requiring medical treatment after Sancta Susanna reminded me of my favorite opera experience ever, a matinee double bill of Bluebeard's Castle and Erwartung.

Bluebeard's Castle is a retelling of the eponymous fairy tale, and at one point the previous wives come out of a trap door covered in red fabric. They kind of coalesce out of it, dripping in blood*. It is the most metal thing I have ever seen on a stage.

Erwartung ("expectation") is basically a monologue by an extremely mentally unwell woman wandering through the woods searching for her lover, who has left her for another woman. It's pretty strongly implied she murdered the other woman, and it's unhinged in the best way. (Here's a performance from Vienna. There's no subtitles but I think you can get the vibe.)

The house lights go on after it ends. I've been sitting near these little old white ladies, the ones you see at opera matinees because they're cheaper and it's too much fuss to go out in the evening. idk what exactly they were expecting, but it was, uh, not that.

I think opera's reputation suffers a lot from being perceived as a rich person's art form and mostly not in English. And there is a canon of stuff that gets performed all the time, because it has broad appeal and familiar tropes. But I think the weird stuff is more fun, and I wish they'd do more of it.

--

* Very much like Zagreus in Hades, but without quite so much annoyance and resignation hahaha

[opera-ghosts]

OTD in Music History: Composer and conductor Johann Strauss II (1825 – 1899) is born in Vienna. Over the span of a long lifetime spent largely before the public, Strauss II – who led his own private dance orchestras and was also one of the most famous conductors of his day – composed over 500 original waltzes, polkas, and quadrilles, as well as several operettas (most notably “Die Fledermaus” in 1874) and a ballet. Strauss II was known as "The Waltz King", and he was largely responsible for establishing the primacy of the waltz as the predominant popular dance form across Europe in the 19th Century. Some of Strauss II’s most famous works in that vein include "The Blue Danube" (1866), "Tales from the Vienna Woods" (1868), and "Frühlingsstimmen" (“Spring’s Voice”) (1882), and the "Kaiser-Walzer" (“Emperor Waltz”) (1889). Even though he almost exclusively wrote “light” music, Strauss II was widely admired by other prominent composers. Richard Wagner (1813 – 1883) once admitted that he liked the waltz "Wein, Weib und Gesang" (“Wine, Women and Song”), and, in the course of composing his famous waltz series from his opera “Rosenkavalier” (1911), Richard Strauss (1864 - 1949) – unrelated – remarked: "How could I forget the laughing genius of Vienna?" The most touching anecdote in this regard comes down to us thanks to Johannes Brahms (1833 – 1897), however, who was a close personal friend of Strauss II. Strauss II’s, wife, Adele, once allegedly approached Brahms with a customary request that he autograph her fan. The usual practice at that time was for a composer to inscribe a few measures of his best-known music, and then sign his name. Brahms, however, inscribed a few measures from the "Blue Danube," and then wrote beneath it, "Unfortunately NOT by Johannes Brahms." PICTURED: A c. 1900 real photo postcard, showing the middle-aged Strauss II at the height of his powers c. the 1870s.

[milkywayan]

hi. could you recommend medieval literature? thank you :)

uuh, yes i can but that really depends on the fact if you can understand german! i dont know if there are english translations of it (i read them in dual language editions, with middle high german and new high german) - i only have read one book that is not german

But in case you can, here are the ones i read in the past year (the not german one is the last one):

Collection of poems by Walther von der Vogelweide - one of the most famous german speaking minnesänger, lived from 1170 - 1230, and has stolen my heart with his diss tracks to the pope; author of the Famous 'Palästinalied' written as propaganda during the crusades

Collection of poems by Neidhart von Reuental - another important german speaking minnesänger, born around 1180/90, so a younger contemporary of Walther, sings a lot about the 'stupid peasants' and how they try to emulate life of the nobles (great fun, the peasants hated him); the Neidhart persona was very self depricating, depticting an unlucky knight; my favourite song of his is 'Meie din liechter schin'

Der Ackermann by Johannes von Tepl - probably one of my absolute favourite books ever, written in the early 15th century as a story for a friend of Johannes von Tepl, who himself was an educated man from northern bohemia; technically already early new high german and not middle high german; the story is a dialogue between a man and death - the mans wife has just died and he starts insulting death, demanding to bring her back. it goes back and forth, and they discuss life, death, humanity creation, god and grief. i loved it

Ein kurtzweilig Lesen von Dil Ulenspiegel - written around 1515 by an anonymous author in early new low german; german speaking people are more familiar with the modern name Til Eulenspiegel. I grew up with the modern adaptations of the story, but the late medieval ones are so, so much more crude. it is a collection of short stories, telling the tale of Dil Ulenspiegel, a silly boy/young man who does silly things. a medieval comedy, nothing profound. the original print has nice wood cut illustrations. it was widely popular, because medieval people could read (although they couldn't necessarily write)

Parzival by Wolfram von Eschenbach - written around 1200-1210 in southern germany, picks up athurian legend. i am half way through and have personal beef with wolfram. but it is good, a lot of depictions of noble life and medieval morals and ideas. makes A LOT of references to other writers of the time, including Walther von der Vogelweide, Gottfried von Straßburg (see next book) and Hartmann von Aue (see below)

Tristan by Gottfriend von Straßburg - written around 1210, is the german adaptation of the tale of Tristan and Isolde. I have not read it yet, but the books are on my shelf to be read as soon as I am done with Parzival

Erec by Hartmann von Aue - written around 1180/90 is said to be the first arthurian story written in german and an adaptation of the old french Erec et Enide - same as above have not read it yet

Iwein by Hartmann von Aue - second arthurian story, written around 1200, also adaptation of the old french story - same as above i have to still read it

The tale of the two lovers by Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini (future Pope Pius II) - written in latin (there are english translations!) in the mid 15th century for a friend while at the court of Vienna, this is the most famous medieval erotic novel we have! It is about a married woman falling in love with one of the holy roman emperors men while they visit the town in italy she lives in, and the spicy affair they end up having, probably based on a similar story that happened. Aeneas lived a wild life and was old beyond his age, having 2 kids with two different women in two different countries out of wedlock and being a well travelled poet. he also hated women, like, A LOT. after he became pope he wanted to supress the circulation of the book, but is was a best-seller so it didnt work evidently, as i have read it in the 21st century

In addition to that, as a historical fencer I also read the sources, but these will be boring to people who dont care, but here are some anyways:

The Art of Swordsmanship by Hans Lecküchner - most famous source for Langes Messer techniques

Das Fechtbuch by Albrecht Dürer - yes, THE Dürer wrote a fencing book, completely in verse with nice illustrations!

Jude Lew - his fencing manuals are also nice, no illustrations only text

Hope this helps in a way.. again, i read mostly german medieval literature, so idk if this is useful as idk if any of these books have been translated

[flamingo-queen-writes]

Six Questions

Tagged by @theobscurepotato

Last song: "Tales from the Vienna Woods" by Johann Strauss. I mean, I do like Strauss, but this is purely because I wanted to get in the mood while writing Natasha exposing Jigsaw to classical music.

Last show: Taskmaster, the "One Warm Prawn" episode. When I need a break from thinking, I watch British people doing stupid stuff for stupider prizes. It's all good. 

Currently watching: My word count on google docs tick over the 175k mark. When you get past 400 pages, google docs becomes a whiny little bitch and starts reloading if you dare change to a different tab for even a moment. The more you know.

Currently reading: Death in the Clouds, by Agatha Christie. I mean, that's where my bookmark receipt currently resides. I haven't opened the book in a few days, though. (What, you have real bookmarks and not a leftover scrap of paper from buying Easter chocolates in a fit of desire?)

Current obsession: Writing Stitch Me Up, the sequel to Blue-eyed Matador. I'm probably writing about 5-6k a day at this rate, and it's seriously eating into my sleep. But this writing frenzy will fade in time, so I'm milking it until its udders chafe.

Unrelated obsession: Did I mention the Easter candy? I'm super into jellybeans right now. Hard on the outside, squishy on the inside, fruity and sweet and tart, colorful, mildly clicky rattling noise as they pour out their bag. Bonus, the kittens think they sound like cat treats, so I have very interested furballs up in my business about the matter.

Tagging all of the people who see this and want to participate. It's fun, trust me. ^_^

[johnandtracyslittleones]

Haven Box: Evergreen Trees

Nature Play

Our friends are back! 4.5 hours of play at the creek involved lots of whittling, digging pits, and adventuring off into the grass.

Science & Nature

This week we got another field guide - this time to trees and wildflowers. The kids used the guide to identify the pine cones on our mantle that we have collected over the years.

The science experiment involved observing how pine cones react to heat and cold. Since we had already observed this phenomenon in our yard earlier this year, we skipped it.

Nature Notebooking

Yeah…we didn’t even bother. But we did the tree coloring page!

Art & Handwork

In one of our books this week, The Night Tree, a family decorates a tree in the woods with food for the animals. We were meant to make a popcorn garland and bird seed ornaments and decorate our own Night Tree. I suggested doing this with a small evergreen we have seen at Sloan’s Lake - and I was met with much upset. Both kids felt certain you were NOT supposed to do that in a public park and did not like the idea. So instead we just went out at night and scattered our birdseed around the base of the tree. (It was probably for the best - we couldn’t make the popcorn garland work anyhow.)

We were also instructed to make a garland of pine cones. Grandma and Grandpa let us collect pine cones from their snowy backyard.

We sat down to make the garlands, but after about three minutes the kids complained that “No one wants to do this Mommy!” Project scrapped.

Forest to Table

The Holiday Punch recipe was well received with our Sunday dinner.

Literature, Art & Music

The favorite book this week was The Little Fir Tree, art appreciation was Great Pine Near Aix by Cezanne, and music appreciation was Tales from Vienna Woods by Johann Strauss.

We have a long break for the holidays - Haven Box activities will resume in January!

[esteemed-excellency]

what is the old man woods in winter? (I don’t mind lore spoilers btw)

the old man woods in winter is the reason why i'm So Normal about fallen london

(lore spoilers under the cut)

The Old Man in Vienna is a spymaster who works against the revolutionaries and the Liberation of Night. From Sunless Sea we know he knows about the Judgements and the most common theory is that he either works for the White or he's a sort of avatar/parallel of it (like the Beleaguered King in Parabola). His real identity is unknown and he's one of the most elite players of the Great Game on the surface.

The Woods in Winter is.. well, we don't really know for sure. The location is often described in cold and dim winter light, and a lot of information about it is only implied.

The Lady in Lilac and the Waltzing Duke (from the ES The Waltz that Moved the World), both elite players of the Great Game, went through it at one point in their lives. The Old Man did too:

The Great Game is connected to the Tales from the Vienna Woods waltz. Vienna is connected to the Old Man (the Waltzing Duke is talking about him in the second snippet). The Old Man is working for/with/as the Judgements (or at least the White). Everything is also connected to Parabola.

These reddit snippets are from five years ago, and we still don't know what exactly happens in the woods, or where it is. The real Vienna Woods are on the surface, but the WiW could be in Parabola, or Somewhere Else entirely.

This is the newest bit of information on woods, winter and daylight that we recently got from Firmament, and given the evident recurring themes I'm considering it part of the WiW puzzle:

I don't know enough about Sunless Sea and Sunless Skies, but the lore puzzle keeps going:

[aoi-watarimono]

So. A Corny Concerto just turn 80 this week.

Credit goes to @nerdylittlefox (Formerly steadfastbond) for doing this commission of Tails dressed in a ballerina attire worn by the “wascally wabbit” from the Tales From the Vienna Woods segment back in late November of 2015.

[peterlorrefanpage]

Help identify this picture of Peter Lorre!

This Peter Lorre pic had no caption. I feel like it's on the tip of my brain. "Early stage play" is all I've got. I'm not sure of the actress, either. Carola Neher?

The hat reminds me of "Tales From the Vienna Woods," but the striping looks different, plus he's got on different trousers & suit so it's hard for me to make the match:

Perhaps even more wildly, Peter's expression and general state of slicked-back-ness up there reminds me of how he looks here with Otto Wallburg in "Der Kandidat" (The Candidate). Source

Incidentally, here's the written play for Der Kandidat.

[house-of-mirrors]

....playlist for The White 🤔 villain songs moment

The gang knows when R has a new character focus lol

Tales from the Vienna Woods - Strauss II (This one is just a given)

Hold Me Down - Halsey

The Devil Wears a Suit and Tie - Colter Wall

That's all I got so far, please I need to add more send me villain songs or chess songs