Hermann Kienzl was an Austrian composer and conductor who was born on January 15, 1857, in Waizenkirchen, Upper Austria. He was the son of a schoolteacher and showed an early interest in music. He began his musical education at the age of six, studying piano and violin with his father. He later studied at the Vienna Conservatory, where he was a pupil of Anton Bruckner and Franz Krenn. Kienzl's early compositions were influenced by the music of Wagner and Liszt, and he became known for his operas, which were performed throughout Europe. His first opera, Der Evangelimann, premiered in 1895 and was an immediate success. The opera tells the story of a pastor who is falsely accused of fathering a child and is forced to leave his parish. The work was praised for its lyrical melodies and dramatic intensity. Kienzl's next opera, Don Quixote, premiered in 1897 and was also well-received. The opera is based on Cervantes' novel and tells the story of the delusional knight and his faithful squire, Sancho Panza. The work was praised for its colorful orchestration and lively characterizations. Kienzl's most famous opera, Der Kuhreigen, premiered in 1901 and was an instant success. The opera tells the story of a young farmer who falls in love with a wealthy landowner's daughter. The work was praised for its folk-like melodies and vivid portrayal of rural life. In addition to his operas, Kienzl also composed orchestral works, chamber music, and songs. His Symphony in D minor, which premiered in 1899, was well-received and is still occasionally performed today. Kienzl was also a respected conductor and led performances of his own works as well as those of other composers. Kienzl's success as a composer brought him many honors and awards. He was awarded the Order of Franz Joseph in 1901 and was made a member of the Academy of Arts in Berlin in 1903. He was also awarded the title of Professor by the Austrian government in 1907. Despite his success, Kienzl's later years were marked by financial difficulties and declining health. He died on October 22, 1941, in Vienna at the age of 84. His legacy as a composer and conductor lives on, and his operas continue to be performed and recorded today.

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