Role

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Composer

Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

Charles Oberthür was a German composer and pianist who lived from 1819 to 1895. He was born in Hamburg, Germany, on February 17, 1819, into a family of musicians. His father, Johann Friedrich Oberthür, was a well-known harpist and composer, and his mother, Maria Anna, was a singer. Charles showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano and composition at a young age. As a child, Charles Oberthür was a prodigy and gave his first public performance at the age of six. He continued to perform and compose throughout his childhood and teenage years, and by the time he was in his early twenties, he had established himself as a respected musician and composer. In 1842, Oberthür moved to Paris, where he studied with the renowned pianist and composer Frédéric Chopin. Chopin had a profound influence on Oberthür's music, and the two became close friends. Oberthür's compositions from this period reflect Chopin's influence, with their lyrical melodies and virtuosic piano writing. Oberthür's most famous work is his Concerto for Harp and Orchestra, which he composed in 1859. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the harp, with its intricate arpeggios and delicate melodies. It has become a staple of the harp repertoire and is still performed regularly today. In addition to his work as a composer, Oberthür was also a respected pianist and teacher. He taught at the Paris Conservatory from 1861 to 1876, where his students included the composer Gabriel Fauré. He also performed regularly as a soloist and chamber musician, and his performances were highly praised for their technical brilliance and musical sensitivity. Oberthür's music is characterized by its lyricism, virtuosity, and technical brilliance. His piano music is particularly notable for its intricate fingerwork and delicate touch, while his orchestral works showcase his skill at writing for large ensembles. His music is often compared to that of Chopin and other Romantic composers, but it also has a unique voice that sets it apart. Despite his success as a composer and musician, Oberthür's personal life was marked by tragedy. He lost his wife and two of his children to illness, and he struggled with depression and alcoholism throughout his life. He died in Paris on March 12, 1895, at the age of 76. Today, Charles Oberthür is remembered as one of the most important composers of the Romantic era. His music continues to be performed and recorded, and his influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary composers. His Concerto for Harp and Orchestra remains one of the most beloved works in the harp repertoire, and his piano music is still admired for its technical brilliance and musical sensitivity.

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