Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Ireland

Birth

:

May 15, 1808 in Dublin, Ireland

Death

:

October 20, 1870 in Hertfordshire, England

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Michael William Balfe was a prominent Irish composer of the 19th century, known for his contributions to the operatic genre. Born on May 15, 1808, in Dublin, Balfe was the youngest of five children. His father, a dance master, recognized his son's musical talent early on and provided him with a solid foundation in music theory and performance. Balfe's musical education began at the age of seven when he was enrolled in the Royal Irish Academy of Music. He quickly excelled in his studies, mastering the violin, piano, and singing. By the age of 15, he had already composed his first opera, The Siege of Rochelle, which was performed at the Theatre Royal in Dublin. In 1825, Balfe moved to London to pursue his musical career. He quickly established himself as a successful composer and performer, earning critical acclaim for his operas and vocal compositions. His breakthrough came in 1835 with the premiere of his opera The Bohemian Girl, which became an instant hit and was performed over 500 times in its first decade. The Bohemian Girl was a romantic opera set in 18th-century Austria, telling the story of a gypsy girl named Arline who falls in love with a nobleman, Thaddeus. The opera's most famous aria, "I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls," became a popular hit and is still performed today. The success of The Bohemian Girl established Balfe as one of the leading composers of his time and secured his place in the history of opera. Balfe continued to compose operas throughout his career, including The Maid of Artois, The Rose of Castille, and Satanella. His works were known for their catchy melodies, dramatic flair, and romantic themes. Balfe was also a skilled conductor and performer, often conducting his own works and performing as a tenor in his operas. In addition to his operatic works, Balfe composed numerous songs and instrumental pieces. His song "Come into the Garden, Maud" became a popular hit and was performed by many famous singers of the time. He also composed several instrumental works, including a piano concerto and a symphony. Balfe's success as a composer and performer earned him numerous accolades and honors throughout his career. He was appointed a member of the Royal Academy of Music in 1841 and was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1875. He also served as the musical director of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and was a founding member of the Royal Philharmonic Society. Despite his success, Balfe faced financial difficulties throughout his career. He was known for his extravagant lifestyle and often spent more than he earned. He also faced legal battles over copyright infringement, which further strained his finances. Balfe's health began to decline in the 1860s, and he suffered a stroke in 1869 that left him partially paralyzed. He continued to compose and conduct, but his output slowed in his later years. He died on October 20, 1870, at the age of 62. Today, Balfe is remembered as one of the most important composers of the 19th century, particularly in the operatic genre. His works continue to be performed and recorded, and his influence can be heard in the works of later composers such as Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner. Balfe's legacy as a composer and performer is a testament to his talent and dedication to the art of music.

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