Member of a copyright collecting society (ASCAP, BMI, GEMA, VG, etc.)
Gustav Pick was born in Rechnitz (at that time part of Hungary) and was a "true Viennese".
He was a highly educated man, Dr. Gustav Pick, a judge at the Higher Regional Court, and had made a name for himself as a lyricist and composer.
He was already known for “Der Wasserer” (The Water Carrier) and “Das waß ' nur a Weana, a weanarisches Bluat, was a weanarischer Walzer an Weana all's tuat” (Only a Viennese, a Viennese blood, knows what a Viennese waltz does to a Viennese), which remains unbeatable to this day, but his “Fiakerlied” (Horse-drawn Carriage Song) is even more famous.
In 1885, the Vienna Volunteer Rescue Society was in urgent need of financial support. Princess Paulin (known in Vienna as “die schöne Schiache,” or “the beautiful ugly one”), Pauline Metternich, came up with the idea that Alexander Girardi should drive into the Rotunda with a “real carriage” and should launch the song.
Now, there are two versions of the story. After hearing the song, Xandl is said to have said:
a) “I'll never sing such nonsense in my life.”
b) “Something so beautiful is worth kneeling down for.”
Girardi sang it, and it was a huge success. Later, he sang another couplet by Gustl Pick, “Rum-vi-di-bum, vi-d-bum, bum, in Vienna it's all about, trara.”
It was not until later, from 1938 to 1945, that the “Fiakerlied” was banned.
Gustav Pick and his “Fiakerlied” did not have an Aryan certificate!
