Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

April 28, 1897 in Brooklyn, NY

Death

:

October 20, 1944 in Los Angeles, CA

 

Felix Bernard was a classical music composer who was born on October 28, 1897, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the son of Russian immigrants, and his father was a violinist who played in the orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera. Bernard grew up in a musical household and began playing the piano at a young age. He showed a natural talent for music and began composing his own pieces as a teenager. Bernard attended the New York College of Music, where he studied composition and piano. He also studied with the renowned composer and pianist Ernest Bloch. After completing his studies, Bernard began working as a pianist and composer in New York City. He played in various nightclubs and theaters and composed music for Broadway shows. One of Bernard's early successes was the song "Dardanella," which he co-wrote with Johnny S. Black. The song was a hit in 1919 and became one of the best-selling records of the year. Bernard went on to write many more popular songs, including "Winter Wonderland," "Angels We Have Heard on High," and "Shine On, Harvest Moon." In addition to his work as a songwriter, Bernard also composed classical music. He wrote several orchestral works, including a symphony and a piano concerto. His music was influenced by the Romantic composers of the 19th century, such as Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. One of Bernard's most famous works is his "Winter Wonderland," which he wrote in 1934. The song has become a holiday classic and has been recorded by many artists over the years. Bernard's other notable works include "Shine On, Harvest Moon," which he co-wrote with Nora Bayes, and "Angels We Have Heard on High," which he arranged for orchestra. Bernard continued to compose music throughout his life, but he struggled with health problems in his later years. He suffered from heart disease and died on October 20, 1944, at the age of 46. Despite his relatively short life, Felix Bernard left a lasting legacy in the world of music. His popular songs continue to be enjoyed by audiences around the world, and his classical works are still performed by orchestras today. Bernard's talent and dedication to his craft have made him a beloved figure in the history of classical music.

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