Lehár, Franz#
b. Komárno, Slovakia (then Komorn), April 30, 1870, d. Bad Ischl (Upper Austria), Oct. 24, 1948, composer of operettas and conductor; brother of Baron Anton von Lehár. One of the most distinguished exponents of 20th century operetta ("silver era of operetta"). Military bandmaster (like his father) in various cities of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy until 1902; conducted his works himself. Introduced elements of contemporary light music and folk-tunes into classical operetta composition (followed J. Strauss' "Gipsy Baron"). Some of his tunes became hits (e.g. "Meine Liebe, deine Liebe", "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz"). In 1950 his villa in Bad Ischl was turned into the L. Museum.
Works#
38 operettas, e.g.: Fraeulein Leutnant, 1901; Der Rastelbinder, 1902; The Merry Widow, 1905; The Count of Luxembourg, 1909; Zigeunerliebe, 1910; Eva, 1911; Die ideale Gattin, 1913; Die blaue Mazur, 1920; Frasquita, 1922; Paganini, 1925; Zarewitsch, 1927; Friederike, 1928; The Land of Smiles, 1929; Schoen ist die Welt, 1930; Giuditta, 1934. - Film music: Es war einmal ein Walzer, 1932; Grossfuerstin Alexandra, 1934. - 5 operas, lieder, dances, marches.Literature#
S. Czech, Schoen ist die Welt: F. L. Leben und Werk, 1957; B. Grun, Gold and Silver: The Life and Time of F. L., 1970; M. Schoenherr, F. L., 1970; S. Frey, "Was sagt ihr zu diesem Erfolg." F. L. und die Unterhaltungsmusik des 20. Jahrhunderts, 1999; NDB.