Trumpet History Tour Hotel Brothel In Vienna

In the Spring of 1971, prominent classical trumpet soloist and pioneering Musicologist, Edward Tarr, organized a 14 day European Trumpet History Tour.

The tour itinerary included a two night stay in Vienna, Austria.

The approximate 20-25 tour participants were booked to stay in a comfortable hotel that was located in a beautiful part of central Vienna.  This hotel would probably be rated 3 stars in this day and age.  The rooms were provided with a private bath and shower, had central heating, and were clean and well maintained.

SOMEHOW, this hotel turned out to be a 24 hour a day BROTHEL staffed by very beautiful woman who worked a series of four, six hour shifts.

At the age of 21, I was by far the youngest tour participant and the only

College Music Major Undergraduate tour participant. The remainder of the trumpet players in their twenties were working on Post-Graduate Masters or Doctoral Degrees. There were also a number of Music School College Trumpet Instructors that were also tour participants such as Professor Wally Chesnut from UMASS-Amherst.

My Roommate,
Herr Vanderbööten

My assigned roommate for the tour was an American of German descent who was in his late twenties who was working on a Masters Degree in Trumpet Performance possibly at the University of Nebraska.

This tour participant was a tall, rugged, square jawed blond that bore a striking resemblance to actor Robert Shaw who was cast as the Russian male KGB assassin in the James Bond Movie, “From Russia With Love”.

Bob’s ‘European Trumpet History Adventure’ roommate, Herr Bokenwönker also had the sadistic attributes that are characteristic of ‘real life’ assassins.

Bob’s roommate had earned a Bachelors Degree in Trumpet performance when he was in his early twenties. After earning a BA in Trumpet Performance, he enlisted in the Army Band program and spent two years stationed at a large U.S. Military Base in Germany. He was rather fluent in German as well. The name of Bob’s roommate was “Harold Richten-something or other”…for the remainder of this essay, “Harold” will be referred to as either Herr Richtenflögger, Herr Bökenwanker, Herr Fröbenwanker, Herr Fröbenbanger, Herr Krabbéwönker, Herr Vanderbööten, or HerrBökenbanger.

Herr Bökenbanger was married to a lovely blond woman in her mid-twenties and he also had a son less than one year old. Herr Fröbenwanker claimed he was madly in love with his beautiful wife and showed Bob multiple photo’s of his young wife and son on a daily basis. And, Herr Fröbenwanker also told Bob on a daily basis how much he missed having “lots of intimate relations” with his wife on a daily basis.

However, Herr Vanderbööten also had an appetite for blond prostitutes of German descent who bore an uncanny resemblance to his wife. A Herr Richtenflögger encounter with a blond prostitute named “Gwendel” in Vienna in particular that Herr Bökenwanker “FALSELY” attributed to being referred to Herr Fröbenbanger by UMASS-Amherst Professor Wally Chesnut who also happened to be Bob Amato’s trumpet teacher.

Day 1 At The Hotel Brothel In Vienna

After a full day of activities in Vienna, and dinner, most, if not all of the European Trumpet

Tour participants had retired to their rooms at the hotel by around 9 PM which were all located on the hotel’s fifth floor.

At this juncture, it should be noted that hotel had eight or nine floors.

About 10 PM, there was a knock on the door of the room that accommodated Bob and his roommate, Herr Fröbenbanger.

Bob answered the door.  Low and behold was a gorgeous, blond young woman who was suggestively attired wearing a skin tight red ‘micro’ mini-skirt, black nylon stockings, and black high heals. This young woman could not have been a day older than 21 years old.

She spoke English and said “My name is Gwendel. Would you like a date?” It became instantly obvious to Bob that this woman was a prostitute and was making a proposition to Bob.

Bob had routinely encountered prostitutes for the first time in his life in the late 1960’s during the course of his semi-regular weekend motorcycle trips to the New York’s Times Square where he would travel to take lessons with the famous trumpet teacher, Carmine Caruso.  In the late 1960’s, the Times Square area of New York was inundated with scantily clad, and aggressive ‘street walking’ prostitutes that would walk up to male pedestrians and motorists driving their cars and ask them “Would you like a date?” Although some of these New York prostitutes were certainly attractive,
none of them looked anything like the magnificent “Gwendel”

Bob called over to his roommate, Herr Vanderbööten who was sitting at a table writing a note to his lovely wife who was back in the United States on a Vienna souvenir postcard.

Herr Richtenflögger came to the door with a big smile on his face and invited the prostitute into the room where the conversation between the two transitioned from English to German.

Although an American, Herr Bökenwanker was of German descent, he had spent at least two years stationed in Germany with a United States Army Band, and was rather fluent with the German language.  In fact, Herr Bökenwanker’s own Mother was a native born German who spoke German to her children in the home in the United States while the children were growing up.

It should be also noted that the lovely “Gwendel”, also bore an uncanny resemblance to Herr Krabbéwönker’s own wife who was back home in the Mid-Western United States.

Meeting Both Prostitutes, Gwendel and Gerta At Hotel Brothel In Vienna

The conversation transitioned back to English so that Bob could understand. Herr Fröbenwanker had agree to spend ‘some time’ in the room with this prostitute, “Gwendel”.  Herr Fröbenwanker was also offered an option to go to “Gwendel’s” own room at the top floor of the hotel which cost a premium price for an unspecified reason.  And, Bob was also told that “Gwendel” had agreed to immediately arrange a “three some” with another blond prostitute named “Gerta” who was “knocking on doors” down the hall.

While “Gwendel” went off to retrieve her fellow prostitute friend, “Gerta”, Herr Fröbenbanger told Bob that the “Threesome” arrangement that was negotiated was for a one hour stay. And, the cost was negotiated as a “two for the price of one” discounted “special” of $85.00 American. The one hour price for “Gwendel” alone would have been $50.00. To put this in perspective, and using an annual inflation rate of 3.89% per year, $85.00 in 1970 had the purchasing power of $552.15 in 2019

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index, prices in 2019 are 549.58% higher than prices in 1970.  The United States Dollar experienced an average inflation rate of 3.89% per year during this period.

In other words, $85 in 1970 is equivalent in purchasing power to $552.15 in 2019, a difference of $467.15 over 49 years. See CPI Inflation Calculator 

While “Gwendel” was off to retrieve her friend “Gerta”, Herr Vanderbööten invited Bob to stay on and join in on the upcoming planned ‘festivities’ that Herr Bökenbanger had arranged. Bob politely declined, but waited for the return of both prostitutes because Bob wanted to at least check out “Gerta”. In this regard, Bob was not disappointed. “Gerta” was every bit as stunning as the ‘jaw dropping”, very beautiful “Gwendel”.

Bob then left the room, and told Herr Bökenbanger that Bob would return around midnight.

Some Outraged Tour Attendee Vienna Hotel Guests

It should be noted at this time, that the tour group attendee’s included a deeply religious middle aged married couple who were fundamental Christians that were employed at a small religious oriented college in the Mid-Western United States.

The man had a PHD in Music History and also was a trumpet player as well.  The man also frequently performed as a trumpeter at his church Sunday religious services.   He was a member of the music faculty of this religious oriented college. His wife was employed as an administrator at this same college.

This middle age couple had a remarkable resemblance to former United States Vice President, Dick Cheney and his wife.  Other than tour package provided meals at the various hotels, this couple did not socialize whatsoever with the other members of the European Trumpet History Tour.  And, at the beginning of every scheduled hotel provided meal, they held hands and prayed together.  But, not before inviting the other tour group members who were sitting at the same table with them to join them in prayer.   Near the beginning of the tour, the other members of the tour group tended to avoid sitting at the same table with this couple.

And, other than tour package provided meals at the various hotels, this couple did not socialize whatsoever with the other members of the European Trumpet History Tour.

When this couple realized that the hotel in Vienna was a ‘house of ill repute’ that in particular allowed prostitutes to knock on the door of hotel guests, this couple became infuriated.   This couple brought their outrage to at least two other married couples that were part of the tour group.

The European Trumpet History Group members found out the following morning that the first five floors of the nine story hotel was not setup as a brothel.  Floors six through nine were used exclusively as a brothel.  European Trumpet History Group member hotel guests were provided accommodations on the fifth floor.

When this very religious couple reported their outrage to the Brothel Hotel front desk night manager, apologetic phone calls were immediately placed to all tour member rooms by the staff at the hotel front desk.   Tour member guests were offered the opportunity and hotel staff assistance to move to a lower floor in the hotel.   At least four or five rooms on the fifth floor of the hotel were vacated in this manner.

Bob walked down hotel hallway before the apologetic phone calls were placed from the hotel front desk.  Bob knocked on the door of two male tour attendee’s who were considerably older than him that befriended Bob at the start of the European Trumpet History Tour.

These men also received a doorway room solicitation from a prostitute as well. After briefly discussing the situation with his two friends, the three decided to leave the hotel and walk around the beautiful central Vienna area for awhile. The night was cool and clear which made walking around comfortable. Bye and bye the three entered a bar and ordered beer and began to discuss the Hotel Brothel situation.

The three came to the conclusion that it was simply a coincidence that the travel agency that helped Edward Tarr organize suitable accommodations for the tour attendee’s. After all, the hotel was comfortable and centrally located within a lovely area of Vienna. The Brothel Hotel management probably learned that the guests were musicians and made the assumption that the guests were involved with POP music or even Jazz. From Bob’s own personal experience in both POP and Jazz arena’s, the adage “SEX DRUGS AND ROCK AND ROLL” could be applied equally to the world of both POP and Jazz music. Classical musicians typically have far fewer bad habits and vices than do POP and Jazz musicians. And, with the notable exception of people like Herr Fröbenbanger, are not hedonistic at all in general.

And, prostitution was certainly legal in Vienna in 1971.  According to Wiki Essay entitled “Prostitution in Austria”, there were 6,424 registered female prostitutes in Vienna as far back as 1874.

However, if any musical instrument could be associated with vice and ‘hedonistic’ behavior, it would certainly be “trumpet players” more than any other instrument associated with classical music.

Although it is likely that Edward Tarr found about the brothel hotel in Vienna, Edward never brought the matter directly to the tour groups attention. And, Bob never overheard any tour group member discussing this matter with Edward Tarr either.

The three friends returned from their late night outing to the hotel shortly before 12 Midnight by way of a sidewalk that ran parallel to an elevated street that overlooked the hotel.

Promptly at midnight, the three friends watched at least 25 lovely prostitutes enter the hotel from a side entrance while at least 25 prostitutes were departing. “Time for a shift change!”

This prostitute ‘shift change’ was a real eye opener for the three friends in more ways than one. And, when the three entered the lobby of the hotel to return to their rooms, the three questioned the clerk at the front desk. The front desk clerk confirmed to the three friends that the hotels upper four floors were indeed used as a brothel.  The front desk clerk also apologized to the three friends about the ‘confusion regarding accommodations’ that were provided and offered to have a member of the hotel’s staff help move these three guests to a room at a lower floor level. This offer was declined buy the three friends.

When Bob returned to his room, Herr Richtenflögger started to brag about his exploits with the two prostitutes. Bob was tired and reminded Herr Richtenflögger that breakfast was to be served in the Hotel Restaurant around 7 AM that morning and this conversation was cut short.

It should be noted that both beds in Bob’s room were covered with fresh blankets and linen by the hotel’s own staff after the two prostitutes departed the company of Herr Richtenflögger.

Breakfast was served at the Hotel Restaurant around 7 AM. This was a buffet style breakfast and seating was provided on long ‘park family picnic’ style wooden tables that were placed fairly close to each other.

It should be noted at this time that Wally Chesnut had a unique characteristic. Wally unfortunately suffered from ‘Morbid Obesity’ that was caused by a medical condition that was all but impossible to control in 1970. Wally was at least six feet tall and his weight fluctuated wildly between at least 300 to 400 Lbs and quite possibly more. In 1971, Wally almost always wore a variety of suits, white shirts, and ties that never fit him right due to constant weight variations. Wally’s wardrobe gave him a rather unique, ‘rumpled but sheikh look’. In spite of his ‘over size’ appearance, Wally moved well and walked with a brisk gate at all times. Wally could also get embarrassed easily and would often blush quite noticeably with little provocation. As an example, when an attractive UMASS Co-Ed would simply say “Hello Professor Chesnut” when Wally would be out of his teaching studio, Wally’s round face would frequently turn an almost ‘beet red’ color. Wally had no vices. Wally did not smoke, gamble, use alcohol, or recreational drugs, never cursed, or used vulgar language,  and was a devoted family man.

Although never expressing any type of organized religious convictions around anyone at UMASS, Wally certainly always possessed sound “Christian values”. Wally epitomized the phrase, “HAIL, FELLOW WELL MET!”

Also, at a time when men were wearing long hair, side burns, beards and, or mustaches Wally was always clean shaven, no sideburns, and wore his hair in a short, ‘brush/crew cut’ style reminiscent of an Army Drill Sergeant.  Wally was the quintessential, STRAIGHT LOOKING ARROW whose appearance was that of a by gone era.

Wally also had a jolly, good humored, and engaging, charismatic personality that both students as well as faculty all over UMASS-Amherst were attracted to. Wally would have made the ultimate Santa Claus in every-way if he was outfitted with a white beard and red suit. Wally was easily recognizable and was without a doubt, by far the most popular faculty member and personality at UMASS – Amherst.

However, Wally did not tolerate derogatory comments or foolish behavior. Wally could get on very occasions, quite angry if Wally felt that even in ‘jest’ someone was talking about him in a way that would possibly damage either his own reputation or the reputation of his employer, UMASS-Amherst which had a student population of at least 30,000 over his entire 30 year teaching career at that institution.

When Wally became really angry, he would pinch his

eyes and mouth shut, his cheeks would puff out like a watermelon, and the color of his face would turn almost a bright beet red. Wally would also tightly coil both of his hands in a tight fist position and begin trembling. This remarkable physical display of anger would cause witnesses to wonder when smoke would also begin erupting from Wally’s ears. Wally’s very rare displays of anger were a ‘sight to behold‘.

From time to time when one of Wally’s trumpet students would do something that Wally found to be annoying he would comment, “You are going to wig me out” or “You are wigging me out”.  Wally Chesnut directed both of these comments on multiple occasions over a five year period to his free spirited and sometimes hard headed trumpet player student, Bob Amato.

Shortly after the vast majority of the tour group members were seated for breakfast at the Vienna Brothel Hotel Restaurant

Shortly after the vast majority of the tour group members were seated for breakfast at the

Brothel Hotel Restaurant, the hedonistic, Herr Richtenflögger began making, loud, boisterous, risque comments about how much Herr Richtenflögger enjoyed the company of prostitutes, “Gwendel” and “Gerta”. The man who was very religious who looked like very much like former United States Vice President, Dick Cheney stood up and shouted, “HOW DARE YOU!”.  The Dick Cheney look alike and his wife then stormed out of the breakfast room.

Unfortunately, Herr Richtenflögger then turned his attention to Professor Wally Chesnut.

Herr Richtenflögger said to Wally, “Gwendel” told me that you referred her to me and she told me that you were fantastic in bed.  “Gwendel” really liked you and repeatedly referred to you as “WALLY BABY!!!” “Gwendel” said you had engaged with her to spend the entire night together again tonight with her here in Vienna in her own private room on the top floor of the hotel. WALLY-BABY, you must have had fantastic time with “Gwendel” last night as well. Why don’t you tell the group about your exploits with Gwendel?”

These comments caused the remaining members of the European Trumpet History Tour group to erupt in laughter that was very short lived.

Wally’s appearance changed to the fierceness of a SUMO wrestler on steroids very quickly.

Wally became enraged and began yelling his lungs out and shaking his large coiled fists at Herr Richtenflögger. Wally’s angry, one sided exchange to Herr Richtenflögger went like this:
“Richtenflögger” you are a disgusting, low life of the worst order. How dare you attempt to scandalize my character and cause embarrassment to both myself, my family, and the school that I represent.  Don’t you dare ever make fun of me or impugn my good character ever again!” Wally then stood up, loudly banged both fists on the heavy wooden table and stormed out of the breakfast room.

And, Wally never spoke again to Herr Richtenflögger during the remaining duration of the tour.

After Wally stormed out of the room, the now stunned, and probably frightened, Herr Richtenflögger exclaimed, “What is with these people? Don’t they have a sense of humor?”

The Vienna Hotel Brothel breakfast room became very quiet from that point on and nobody spoke to Herr Richtenflögger again during the remaining breakfast period.

Later that morning, Wally Chesnut took his student Bob aside and requested that Bob speak to Bob’s roommate, Herr Bökenbanger and direct Herr Bökenbanger to never associate a prostitute to the good name of Wally Chesnut.

Bob complied with Wally’s request and Bob did indeed deliver the message from Wally to Herr Bökenbanger. However, this request that Wally made to Bob, at least to some extent, backfired.

On two or three occasions, when fueled by excessive consumption of beer, Herr Bökenbanger would ask Wally Chesnut in the vacinity of other tour group members about Wally’s relationship with “Gwendel”.  Wally’s face would become quite flushed and he would simply glare at Herr Bökenbanger.

To make matters worse, the FALSE, scandalous accusations that Herr Bökenbanger made concerning Wally Chesnut’s non existent relationship with prostitute, “Gwendel” at the Vienna Hotel Brothel did not end at the conclusion of the Edward Tarr European Trumpet History Tour. The scandalous accusations that Herr Bökenbanger made concerning Wally Chesnut traveled back to UMASS-Amherst upon Wally’s return to the United States. SEE:
Vienna Prostitution Scandal Travels To UMASS