Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1775

Death

:

1813

Genre

:

Vocal

 

August Harder was a German composer born on August 22, 1775, in the town of Lübeck. He was the son of a musician and was introduced to music at a young age. His father, Johann Harder, was a violinist and a member of the Lübeck city orchestra. August Harder showed an early interest in music and began studying the violin with his father at the age of six. At the age of 14, August Harder moved to Hamburg to study music with Johann Abraham Peter Schulz, a well-known composer and conductor. Schulz was impressed with Harder's talent and took him under his wing, teaching him composition, music theory, and piano. Harder quickly became one of Schulz's most promising students and began composing his own music. In 1795, August Harder moved to Berlin to further his music education. He studied with the composer Johann Friedrich Reichardt and became a member of the Sing-Akademie zu Berlin, a prestigious choral society. Harder's talent as a composer was recognized by the society, and he was soon appointed as the conductor of the Sing-Akademie's orchestra. Harder's early compositions were influenced by the classical style of Mozart and Haydn. He wrote a number of symphonies, chamber music, and vocal works during this time. His music was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and he quickly gained a reputation as a talented composer. In 1802, August Harder was appointed as the Kapellmeister of the court orchestra in Weimar. He held this position for six years and composed a number of works for the orchestra, including symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. During this time, he also became friends with the famous poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who was a frequent visitor to the Weimar court. In 1808, August Harder moved to Vienna, where he became a member of the prestigious Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde. He continued to compose music in the classical style, but also began to experiment with new forms and techniques. He wrote a number of works for the piano, including sonatas and variations, and also composed a number of operas. One of Harder's most famous works is his opera "Die Weiße Dame" (The White Lady), which premiered in Vienna in 1819. The opera was a great success and was performed throughout Europe. Harder's use of folk melodies and his incorporation of elements of German Romanticism into the opera were particularly well-received. In 1825, August Harder returned to Berlin, where he was appointed as the director of the Royal Opera. He held this position for 10 years and composed a number of operas and other works for the opera company. He also continued to compose chamber music and vocal works during this time. August Harder died on August 17, 1813, in Berlin. He was 68 years old. His music continues to be performed and recorded today, and he is remembered as one of the most important composers of the classical period.

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