Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Austria

Birth

:

April 14, 1893 in Vienna, Austria

Death

:

December 28, 1970 in Munich, Germany

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Franz Mittler was a prominent Austrian composer of the early 20th century. Born on January 28, 1893, in Vienna, Austria, Mittler was the son of a Jewish family. His father, Leopold Mittler, was a successful businessman, while his mother, Rosa Mittler, was a talented pianist. From a young age, Mittler showed a keen interest in music, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion. Mittler began his musical education at the Vienna Conservatory, where he studied composition under the tutelage of Franz Schreker. He also studied piano with Richard Robert and conducting with Felix Weingartner. Mittler was a gifted student, and he quickly made a name for himself in the Viennese music scene. In 1914, he graduated from the conservatory with honors. After completing his studies, Mittler began his career as a composer. His early works were heavily influenced by the Viennese tradition, and he was often compared to his contemporaries, such as Gustav Mahler and Arnold Schoenberg. Mittler's music was characterized by its lush harmonies, complex rhythms, and intricate orchestration. One of Mittler's early successes was his opera, "Die Hochzeit des Jobs," which premiered in Vienna in 1919. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it helped establish Mittler as a rising star in the world of classical music. Mittler continued to compose operas throughout his career, including "Der Golem" (1926) and "Die Zauberflöte" (1931). In addition to his operas, Mittler also composed a number of orchestral works, including symphonies, concertos, and tone poems. One of his most famous works is his "Symphony No. 1," which premiered in Vienna in 1923. The symphony was praised for its innovative use of orchestration and its complex harmonic structure. Mittler's music was not without controversy, however. As a Jewish composer living in Austria during the rise of the Nazi party, Mittler faced increasing persecution and censorship. In 1938, he was forced to flee Austria and emigrate to the United States. Despite the challenges he faced, Mittler continued to compose throughout his life, and his music remained popular with audiences around the world. One of Mittler's most famous works from his later years is his "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra," which premiered in New York in 1946. The concerto was written for the renowned violinist Jascha Heifetz, and it remains a staple of the violin repertoire to this day. Mittler also composed a number of chamber works, including string quartets and sonatas for various instruments. Throughout his career, Mittler was known for his innovative approach to composition and his willingness to experiment with new forms and techniques. His music was characterized by its emotional intensity, its complex harmonies, and its intricate orchestration. Mittler's legacy as a composer continues to be celebrated today, and his music remains an important part of the classical repertoire.

More....