Anthony Philip Heinrich

Full biography Anthony Philip Heinrich

Anthony Philip Heinrich (1781 – 1861) was an early American composer , hailed as the first full-time composer of the United States and often referred to as "Father" Heinrich. Heinrich was born in Bohemia and emigrated to America in 1818. He wrote grand, programmatic orchestral music based on naturalistic themes common in the early 19th century in America. He was known for using Indian themes in his work, and often chose the American landscape as his inspiration. He was a prolific composer who wrote over 400 compositions, which included symphonies, chamber music, and operas. One of his most popular works is "The Ornithological Combat of Kings," a musical piece that pits the songs of various birds against each other in a unique and playful way. Heinrich is considered to be one of the most significant American composers of the 19th century and the first to write large-scale orchestral works in the country. Though little-known today, his music played a significant role in the development of American classical music.