Role

:

Conductor

Birth

:

1905

Death

:

1963

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Winfried Zillig was a German composer, conductor, and pianist who made significant contributions to the world of classical music during the 20th century. Born on January 22, 1905, in Saarbrücken, Germany, Zillig showed an early interest in music and began studying piano at the age of six. He later went on to study composition and conducting at the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin, where he was a student of Franz Schreker. After completing his studies, Zillig began his career as a conductor, working with various orchestras throughout Germany. In 1933, he was appointed as the conductor of the Saarbrücken Radio Symphony Orchestra, a position he held until 1944. During this time, he also served as the conductor of the Saarbrücken Opera, where he conducted numerous productions of operas by Mozart, Wagner, and Verdi. In addition to his work as a conductor, Zillig was also a prolific composer. He wrote numerous works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments, as well as several operas. His music was heavily influenced by the works of Schreker, as well as by the music of Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler. One of Zillig's most significant works is his opera "Die Weise von Liebe und Tod des Cornets Christoph Rilke," which is based on a novella by the poet Rainer Maria Rilke. The opera premiered in 1948 at the Stuttgart State Opera and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. It has since become one of Zillig's most frequently performed works. Throughout his career, Zillig received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1955, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, and in 1965, he was awarded the Grand Cross of Merit with Star and Sash. He was also a member of the Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts and the Berlin Academy of Arts. In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, Zillig was also a respected music educator. He taught at the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin and the Hochschule für Musik in Stuttgart, where he served as the director from 1950 to 1970. Many of his students went on to have successful careers in the world of classical music. Zillig continued to compose and conduct throughout his life, and his music remains an important part of the classical music repertoire. He died on March 9, 1963, in Stuttgart, Germany, at the age of 58. His legacy as a composer, conductor, and educator continues to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers around the world.

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