Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1859

Death

:

1939

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

August Enna was a Danish composer who was born on May 13, 1859, in Nakskov, Denmark. He was the son of a schoolteacher and grew up in a musical family. His father played the organ and his mother sang in the church choir. Enna showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Enna's musical education began at the age of 14 when he was sent to study at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen. He studied composition with Niels Gade, who was one of Denmark's most prominent composers at the time. Enna also studied piano with Edmund Neupert and organ with J.P.E. Hartmann. After completing his studies, Enna began his career as a composer. His first major work was the opera "The Witch" which premiered in 1892. The opera was a great success and established Enna as one of Denmark's leading composers. He went on to compose several more operas, including "The Little Match Girl" and "The Lady of Shalott." Enna's music was heavily influenced by the Romantic era, and he was known for his use of lush harmonies and sweeping melodies. His operas were particularly popular, and he was considered one of the leading opera composers of his time. In addition to his operas, Enna also composed orchestral works, chamber music, and songs. One of Enna's most famous works is his opera "The Little Match Girl." The opera is based on the Hans Christian Andersen story of the same name and tells the story of a poor girl who sells matches on the streets on a cold winter night. The opera premiered in 1897 and was an immediate success. It has since become one of Enna's most popular works and is still performed today. Another notable work by Enna is his opera "The Lady of Shalott." The opera is based on the poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson and tells the story of a young woman who is cursed to live in a tower and weave tapestries. The opera premiered in 1894 and was also a great success. It is considered one of Enna's most ambitious works and showcases his skill as a composer. Enna's music was well-received during his lifetime, and he was awarded several honors for his work. In 1900, he was awarded the Order of the Dannebrog, which is one of Denmark's highest honors. He was also awarded the title of Knight of the Legion of Honor by the French government in 1902. Enna continued to compose throughout his life, and his later works show a shift towards a more modern style. He died on August 3, 1939, in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the age of 80. In conclusion, August Enna was a Danish composer who was known for his operas and his use of Romantic-era harmonies and melodies. He studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Music and went on to compose several successful operas, including "The Little Match Girl" and "The Lady of Shalott." Enna's music was well-received during his lifetime, and he was awarded several honors for his work. He continued to compose throughout his life and died in 1939 at the age of 80.

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