Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

December 1, 1844 in London, England

Death

:

December 28, 1891 in London, England

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

Alfred Cellier was a British composer and conductor who lived from 1844 to 1891. He was born in London to a French father and an English mother. His father was a violinist and music teacher, and his mother was a singer. From a young age, Cellier showed a talent for music, and he began studying the piano and violin at the age of six. Cellier's musical education continued at the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied composition with William Sterndale Bennett and piano with Charles Lucas. He also studied conducting with Michael Costa, who was one of the most prominent conductors of the time. Cellier was a gifted student, and he won several prizes and awards during his time at the Academy. After completing his studies, Cellier began working as a conductor and composer. He conducted at several London theaters, including the Gaiety Theatre and the Savoy Theatre. He also composed music for a number of operettas and musicals, including "Dorothy" and "The Mountebanks." One of Cellier's most famous works is the operetta "Dorothy," which premiered in 1886. The operetta tells the story of a young woman named Dorothy who falls in love with a man named Lord Mountararat. The music is light and cheerful, with catchy melodies and lively dance numbers. The operetta was a huge success, and it ran for over 900 performances in London. Another notable work by Cellier is the musical "The Mountebanks," which premiered in 1892, after Cellier's death. The musical tells the story of a group of traveling performers who are trying to make a living in Italy. The music is lively and colorful, with a mix of Italian and English influences. In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, Cellier was also a respected music critic. He wrote for several London newspapers, including The Times and The Musical Standard. His reviews were known for their wit and insight, and he was highly regarded by his peers. Despite his success, Cellier's life was cut short by illness. He died in 1891 at the age of 47. However, his legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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