Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Austria

Birth

:

April 29, 1842 in Vienna, Austria

Death

:

December 31, 1899 in Baden, Austria

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Opera

 

Carl Millöcker was a prominent Austrian composer of operettas during the late 19th century. He was born on April 29, 1842, in Vienna, Austria, to a family of musicians. His father, Franz Millöcker, was a violinist and conductor, and his mother, Maria Anna, was a singer. Carl showed an early interest in music and began studying the violin and piano at a young age. At the age of 16, Millöcker entered the Vienna Conservatory, where he studied composition under the tutelage of Franz von Suppé. He also studied the violin and piano, and upon graduation, he began working as a conductor and composer for various theaters in Vienna. In 1866, Millöcker composed his first operetta, Der tote Gast, which was well-received by audiences and critics alike. This success led to further commissions, and Millöcker went on to compose over 20 operettas during his career. One of Millöcker's most famous works is Der Bettelstudent (The Beggar Student), which premiered in Vienna in 1882. The operetta tells the story of a poor student who falls in love with a wealthy countess, and features memorable songs such as "Ach, ich hab' sie ja nur auf die Schulter geküsst" and "Ich knüpfte manche zarte Bande." Another popular work by Millöcker is Gasparone, which premiered in Vienna in 1884. The operetta is set in Italy and tells the story of a bandit who falls in love with a wealthy woman. The score features lively dance music and catchy tunes such as "Im Chambre séparée" and "Ja, das Schreiben und das Lesen." Millöcker's other notable works include Der arme Jonathan (The Poor Jonathan), Die Dubarry, and Der Feldprediger (The Field Chaplain). His music was known for its catchy melodies, lively rhythms, and colorful orchestration. In addition to his work as a composer, Millöcker was also a successful conductor. He served as the conductor of the Theater an der Wien from 1885 to 1890, and later conducted at the Carltheater and the Theater in der Josefstadt. Millöcker's career was not without controversy, however. In 1899, he was accused of plagiarism by the composer Richard Heuberger, who claimed that Millöcker had stolen a melody from one of his own works. The accusation led to a public feud between the two composers, and Millöcker was forced to defend himself in court. He ultimately won the case, but the incident tarnished his reputation. Despite this setback, Millöcker continued to compose and conduct throughout his life. He died on December 31, 1899, in Baden bei Wien, Austria, at the age of 57. His legacy lives on through his popular operettas, which continue to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

More....