Birth

:

1865

Death

:

1934

 

Peter Cornelius was a German composer, writer, and singer who was born on December 24, 1824, in Mainz, Germany. He was the son of a painter and a musician, and his parents encouraged him to pursue a career in the arts. Cornelius showed an early interest in music and began composing at a young age. Cornelius received his musical education at the Frankfurt Conservatory, where he studied under the renowned composer and conductor, Ferdinand Hiller. He also studied with Franz Liszt in Weimar, where he became friends with other notable composers of the time, including Richard Wagner and Johannes Brahms. Cornelius began his career as a composer in the mid-1850s, and his early works were heavily influenced by the Romantic style of music that was popular at the time. He wrote a number of songs and choral works, as well as several operas, including "The Barber of Bagdad" and "The Cid." In 1864, Cornelius moved to Vienna, where he became the conductor of the Vienna Court Opera. He held this position for several years, during which time he conducted many notable performances, including the premiere of Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde" in Vienna in 1875. Cornelius continued to compose throughout his career, and his later works showed a shift towards a more classical style of music. He wrote several symphonies, as well as chamber music and piano pieces. One of Cornelius's most famous works is his Christmas song cycle, "Weihnachtslieder," which he composed in 1855. The cycle consists of six songs, each of which tells a different part of the Christmas story. The cycle has become a beloved Christmas tradition in Germany and is still performed regularly today. Cornelius was also a prolific writer, and he wrote several plays and librettos for his own operas. He was known for his wit and humor, and his writing often reflected his playful personality. Despite his many accomplishments, Cornelius struggled with financial difficulties throughout his life. He was often forced to take on teaching positions and other odd jobs to make ends meet. He also suffered from poor health, and his health problems eventually forced him to retire from his position as conductor of the Vienna Court Opera. Cornelius died on October 26, 1874, at the age of 49. He was buried in Vienna, and his grave is still visited by fans of his music today. Despite his relatively short career, Peter Cornelius left a lasting impact on the world of classical music. His works continue to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world, and his influence can be seen in the works of many composers who came after him.

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