Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

March 10, 1788

Death

:

November 26, 1857

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Joseph (Karl Benedikt) Freiherr von Eichendorff was a German poet, writer, and composer who lived from 1788 to 1857. He was born on March 10, 1788, in Lubowitz, Silesia, which is now part of Poland. His family was of noble descent, and his father was a Prussian officer. Eichendorff grew up in a Catholic household and was educated at home until the age of 12, when he was sent to a Jesuit school in Breslau (now Wrocław). Eichendorff showed an early interest in music and began composing at a young age. He also wrote poetry and prose, and his literary talents would later become as well-known as his musical ones. In 1805, he enrolled at the University of Halle to study law, but he continued to pursue his musical and literary interests. He wrote several plays and operas while at university, and he also became involved in the Romantic movement, which was sweeping through Germany at the time. After completing his studies, Eichendorff worked as a government official in various locations throughout Germany. He continued to write and compose in his spare time, and his works began to gain recognition. In 1826, he published his first collection of poetry, entitled "Gedichte," which was well-received by critics and the public alike. He went on to publish several more collections of poetry and prose, including "Aus dem Leben eines Taugenichts" (1826), which is considered one of his most famous works. Eichendorff's musical career also flourished during this time. He composed several songs, many of which were set to his own poetry. His music was heavily influenced by the Romantic movement, and he often used folk melodies and themes in his compositions. He also wrote several operas, including "Die Freier" (1827) and "Das Schloss am Meere" (1837), which were both well-received. In 1841, Eichendorff was appointed to a government position in Berlin, where he lived for the rest of his life. He continued to write and compose, and his works continued to gain recognition. In 1848, he was awarded the Order of the Red Eagle, a prestigious honor in Prussia. He also received several other awards and honors throughout his career, including the Goethe Prize in 1849. Eichendorff's music and poetry were highly regarded by his contemporaries, and his influence can still be felt today. His works have been set to music by many composers, including Robert Schumann, Felix Mendelssohn, and Richard Strauss. His poetry has also been translated into many languages and is still widely read and studied. Eichendorff died on November 26, 1857, in Berlin. He was buried in the family plot in Lubowitz. His legacy as a poet, writer, and composer continues to be celebrated today, and his works remain an important part of German literature and music.

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