Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

August 2, 1888 in Dayton, KY

Death

:

March 23, 1975 in Pasadena, CA

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Oscar Rasbach was an American composer and songwriter who was born on August 7, 1888, in Buffalo, New York. He was the son of German immigrants and grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist, and they encouraged their son's musical talents from a young age. Rasbach began his formal music education at the age of six, studying piano and violin. He later attended the Buffalo Conservatory of Music, where he studied composition and orchestration. After completing his studies, he worked as a pianist and conductor for various theater companies and vaudeville shows. In 1915, Rasbach moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. He quickly became involved in the city's thriving music scene, working as a composer and arranger for various publishers and music companies. He also began writing songs, many of which became popular hits of the day. Rasbach's first major success as a composer came in 1921, when his song "Trees" was published. The song, which was based on a poem by Joyce Kilmer, became an instant hit and was recorded by numerous artists. It remains one of Rasbach's most famous compositions to this day. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Rasbach continued to write songs and compose music for theater productions and films. He also began to focus more on classical music, writing a number of orchestral works and chamber pieces. In 1935, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed him to travel to Europe and study with some of the leading composers of the day. One of Rasbach's most famous classical works is his "Symphony No. 1," which was premiered by the New York Philharmonic in 1937. The symphony is a lush and romantic work, with sweeping melodies and rich harmonies. It was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and helped establish Rasbach as a serious composer of classical music. In addition to his classical works, Rasbach continued to write popular songs throughout his career. Some of his most famous songs include "The Robin Sings in the Apple Tree," "The Nightingale and the Rose," and "The Desert Song." He also wrote music for a number of films, including the 1936 musical "Rose-Marie." Rasbach's music was known for its romanticism and sentimentality, and he was often compared to other popular composers of the day, such as Victor Herbert and Rudolf Friml. His music was also influenced by his German heritage, and he often incorporated elements of German folk music into his compositions. Despite his success as a composer, Rasbach remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He continued to write music until his death in 1975, at the age of 87. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important American composers of the early 20th century, and his music continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

More....