"Sometimes it is more difficult to accept something that we did not strive for and for which we did not even a little desire than to reach the dream goals. Because perhaps we feel all the more tension and uncertainty as to whether we will live up to the obligations that others place on us."

The colorful portrait of the only woman on the Habsburg and Czech thrones focuses not only on the statesmanship of Maria Theresa as Empress of the Holy Roman Empire in the years 1740–1768, but also depicts her private hobbies and whims, fears and frustrations. The experienced popularizer follows her relationship with the Czechs, to whom she sought a difficult way with the help of advisers, diplomats and military leaders, recalls the smallpox pandemic at the Viennese court, to which several of their most dear ones succumbed, and especially examines the influence of the key men in her life. Father Charles VI. he provided the exuberant girl with a completely unprecedented position and forced her to grow up quickly, while the passionate husband František Štěpán Lorinský was still running away from his wife and numerous offspring outside the Hofburg Palace. Eternal Prussian rival Frederick II. fought with Maria Theresa for Silesia, and her ruling style was later strongly rejected by her enlightened son and successor Joseph II. However, the majesty of the influential lady of the eighteenth century still attracts us – and already inspired Joseph Haydn, whose 48th symphony composed in her honor frames this rococo drama.

Length of recording: 10 hours 6 minutes