Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Hungary

Birth

:

May 18, 1830 in Keszthely, Hungary

Death

:

January 2, 1915 in Vienna, Austria

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

Karl Goldmark was a Hungarian composer of the Romantic era, born on May 18, 1830, in Keszthely, Hungary. He was the youngest of ten children in a Jewish family. His father, Ruben Goldmark, was a cantor and a teacher of music, and his mother, Regina, was a homemaker. Karl showed an early interest in music and began to study the violin at the age of six. He later studied composition with the Hungarian composer Ferenc Erkel. In 1845, Goldmark moved to Vienna to study music at the Vienna Conservatory. He studied violin with Joseph Böhm and composition with Simon Sechter. He also became friends with the composer Johannes Brahms, who was also studying at the conservatory at the time. Goldmark's early compositions were influenced by the music of Beethoven, Schubert, and Mendelssohn. Goldmark's first major success came in 1860 with his opera "Die Königin von Saba" (The Queen of Sheba). The opera was premiered in Vienna and was a great success. It was later performed in many other cities throughout Europe and the United States. The opera is known for its lush orchestration and exotic melodies. Goldmark continued to compose operas throughout his career, including "Merlin" (1886), "Das Heimchen am Herd" (The Cricket on the Hearth) (1896), and "Die Gefesselte Phantasie" (The Enchanted Dream) (1898). However, his later operas were not as successful as "The Queen of Sheba." In addition to his operas, Goldmark also composed orchestral works, chamber music, and songs. His most famous orchestral work is his "Rustic Wedding Symphony" (1876). The symphony is based on Hungarian folk music and is known for its lively rhythms and colorful orchestration. Goldmark also composed several string quartets, including his "String Quartet No. 1 in B-flat Major" (1878), which is considered one of his finest works. Goldmark was also a respected music teacher. He taught composition at the Vienna Conservatory from 1863 to 1895. His students included the composers Gustav Mahler and Franz Schmidt. Goldmark died on January 2, 1915, in Vienna, Austria-Hungary. He was 84 years old. Despite his success during his lifetime, Goldmark's music fell out of favor in the 20th century. However, his "Rustic Wedding Symphony" and "Die Königin von Saba" are still occasionally performed today. In conclusion, Karl Goldmark was a Hungarian composer of the Romantic era who achieved great success with his opera "Die Königin von Saba" and his "Rustic Wedding Symphony." He was also a respected music teacher who taught Gustav Mahler and Franz Schmidt. Although his music fell out of favor in the 20th century, his works are still occasionally performed today.

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