"Vienna" from Billy Joel's 1977 album The Stranger features a brief but distinctive accordion solo from Dominic Cortese that gives the song its European character. Set in G minor at 123 BPM with a rock feel, Cortese's accordion passage arrives during the song's bridge section, evoking the Viennese street musicians that inspired Joel's composition. The song itself is one of Joel's most philosophical works, urging patience and acceptance against a backdrop of waltz-inflected rock. Joel reportedly wrote the song after visiting his father in Vienna and observing the relaxed pace of European life, a stark contrast to the competitive urgency of New York City. Cortese's accordion adds an authentic Old World texture that grounds the song's lyrical themes in a specific cultural context. The Stranger, produced by Phil Ramone, marked Joel's artistic maturation and commercial breakthrough, selling more than ten million copies worldwide. While "Vienna" was not released as a single, it has grown in stature over the decades, becoming one of Joel's most requested concert numbers and a favorite among fans who appreciate the deeper cuts in his catalog. The arrangement builds gradually from a gentle piano opening to a full band crescendo, with Cortese's accordion serving as a crucial transitional element.
