Emmerich Kálmán (originally Imre Koppstein; 24 October 1882 – 30 October 1953) is a celebrated Hungarian composer whose legacy is profoundly interwoven with the world of operetta. Born in Siófok, Hungary, Kálmán exhibited musical promise from a young age, and his aspirations led him to study composition at the prestigious Academy of Music in Budapest. His talents blossomed under the tutelage of notable Hungarian composer Hans Koessler, who counted among his other famous pupils the likes of Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály.

Kálmán's foray into the world of theater music began in earnest in the early 20th century, and he soon became renowned for his melodic richness and his unique fusion of Hungarian musical traditions with the popular operetta form. His works often evoke the vibrant spirit of the csárdás, a Hungarian national dance, which earned his pieces a cherished spot in the hearts of audiences in Budapest and Vienna, the two capitals of operetta at the time. His most significant works include "Die Csárdásfürstin" (The Gypsy Princess) and "Gräfin Mariza" (Countess Maritza), both of which display his characteristic flair for melody and his deft touch with lush, romantic, and sometimes playful orchestration. Today, Kálmán's music continues to be celebrated and revived, reminding modern audiences of the elegance and joyful exuberance of early 20th-century operetta.

Genres

German Opera

Operetta

Latest Release

Kálmán: Die Faschingsfee

Emmerich Kálmán

Album - 36 Tracks - Released April 5, 2019