Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Austria

Birth

:

April 9, 1874 in Vienna, Austria

Death

:

January 9, 1939 in Vienna, Austria

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

Julius Bittner was an Austrian composer born on April 9, 1874, in Vienna. He was the son of a wealthy businessman and grew up in a musically inclined family. His father was a passionate amateur musician, and his mother was a trained pianist. Bittner's parents recognized his musical talent at an early age and provided him with the best music education available. Bittner began his musical studies at the Vienna Conservatory, where he studied composition with Robert Fuchs and piano with Anton Door. He was an exceptional student and won several awards for his compositions. After completing his studies, Bittner worked as a music teacher and conductor in various Austrian cities. In 1902, Bittner's opera "Der Musikant" premiered in Graz, Austria, to critical acclaim. The opera was based on a play by Hermann Bahr and was a huge success. It was performed in several Austrian cities and established Bittner as a promising young composer. Bittner's next opera, "Das Veilchenfest," premiered in Vienna in 1905. The opera was based on a play by Arthur Schnitzler and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. Bittner's use of folk melodies and his skillful orchestration were particularly praised. In 1907, Bittner's opera "Der Apotheker" premiered in Vienna. The opera was based on a play by Johann Nestroy and was a satire on the medical profession. The opera was a commercial success and was performed in several Austrian cities. Bittner's most famous opera, "Die Ersten Menschen," premiered in Vienna in 1914. The opera was based on a play by Otto Borngräber and was a retelling of the biblical story of Adam and Eve. The opera was a critical and commercial success and was performed in several European cities. During World War I, Bittner served in the Austrian army as a bandmaster. After the war, he returned to composing and wrote several works for the stage, including the operas "Der Bergsee" and "Das Opfer." He also wrote several orchestral works, including the "Symphonische Suite" and the "Symphonische Fantasie." In 1927, Bittner's opera "Das Lied von der Erde" premiered in Vienna. The opera was based on a play by Franz Werfel and was a retelling of the biblical story of Job. The opera was a critical success but was not as popular with audiences as Bittner's earlier works. Bittner continued to compose throughout the 1930s but was increasingly marginalized by the rise of the Nazi party in Austria. In 1938, he was forced to flee Austria and settled in Switzerland. He continued to compose but was unable to find a publisher for his works. Bittner died on January 9, 1939, in Zurich, Switzerland. His music fell out of favor after his death, and his works were largely forgotten. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Bittner's music, and several of his works have been recorded and performed.

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