Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

June 19, 1896 in Basel, Switzerland

Death

:

March 17, 1966 in Baden, Switzerland

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Opera

 

Walter Lang was a German composer and conductor who lived from 1896 to 1966. He was born in the city of Leipzig, which was a hub of musical activity at the time. His father was a music teacher, and his mother was a singer, so it was natural for him to be exposed to music from a young age. Lang began his musical education at the Leipzig Conservatory, where he studied composition with Max Reger and conducting with Arthur Nikisch. He was a talented student and quickly gained recognition for his abilities. In 1919, he was appointed as the conductor of the Leipzig Opera, which was a prestigious position for a young musician. During his time at the Leipzig Opera, Lang composed several operas of his own, including "Die Heilige Johanna" and "Der Golem." These works were well-received by audiences and critics alike, and they helped to establish Lang as a composer of note. In 1924, Lang left Leipzig to become the conductor of the Berlin State Opera. This was a major step up in his career, as Berlin was the cultural capital of Germany at the time. Lang quickly became known for his innovative productions and his ability to bring out the best in his singers and musicians. During his time in Berlin, Lang continued to compose, and he produced several works that are still performed today. One of his most famous works is the opera "Der Widerspenstigen Zähmung," which is based on the play by William Shakespeare. This opera is known for its lively and humorous music, as well as its clever libretto. In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, Lang was also a teacher. He taught at the Berlin Conservatory and later at the Hochschule für Musik in Munich. Many of his students went on to have successful careers in music, and they remember him fondly as a kind and inspiring teacher. Lang's career was interrupted by the rise of the Nazi party in Germany. As a Jew, he was no longer able to work in the country, and he was forced to flee to the United States in 1938. He settled in New York City, where he continued to compose and conduct. In the United States, Lang became involved with the New York City Opera, which was a new company at the time. He conducted several productions for the company, including the American premiere of Benjamin Britten's "Peter Grimes." He also continued to compose, and he produced several works that were well-received by American audiences. One of Lang's most famous works from his American period is the opera "The Return of Odysseus," which is based on the story from Homer's "Odyssey." This opera is known for its lush orchestration and its dramatic storytelling. It was premiered by the New York City Opera in 1958 and was later performed by several other companies around the world. Lang continued to work in the United States until his death in 1966. He was a prolific composer and conductor, and his contributions to the world of classical music are still remembered today. His works are performed by orchestras and opera companies around the world, and his legacy as a teacher and mentor lives on through his many students.

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