Franz Lehár was an Austro-Hungarian composer, primarily known for his operettas, who became a leading figure in the development of the genre in the early 20th century. Born on April 30, 1870, in Komárom, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (present-day Komárno, Slovakia), Lehár was the son of a bandmaster in the Austro-Hungarian Army. He followed in his father's footsteps, initially joining the military as a bandmaster, which provided him with a vast understanding of orchestration and contributed to his sense of theatricality.

Lehár's international breakthrough came with his operetta "Die lustige Witwe" (The Merry Widow), first performed in Vienna in 1905. This work became an instant success and has since been a staple in the operetta repertoire, beloved for its catchy melodies and lush orchestration. Lehár's gift for melody and his sophisticated blend of sentimentality and wistfulness contributed to a series of successful operettas, including "Der Graf von Luxemburg" and "Paganini." He enjoyed great success throughout his life, celebrated for creating works that exemplified the glamour and gaiety of the Viennese operetta tradition. His music continues to enchant audiences worldwide, with recordings and live performances breathing new life into his work for contemporary listeners. Franz Lehár passed away on October 24, 1948, in Bad Ischl, Austria, leaving behind an indelible mark on the world of operetta and classical music.

Genres

German Opera

Operetta

Post-romantic Era

Related Artists

Johann Strauss II

Emmerich Kálmán

Jacques Offenbach

Robert Stolz

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Franz von Suppé

Richard Strauss

Leo Fall

Oscar Straus

Carl Zeller

Paul Abraham

Carl Millöcker

Latest Release

Karajan A-Z: Holst - Liszt

Herbert von Karajan•

Gustav Holst•

Arthur Honegger•

Franz Lehár•

Ruggero Leoncavallo•

Franz Liszt

Album - 96 Tracks - Released August 2, 2024