Wilhelm Kienzl

Full biography Wilhelm Kienzl

Wilhelm Kienzl was an Austrian composer, pianist, and conductor who lived from January 17, 1857, to October 3, 1941. He was born in Waizenkirchen, Upper Austria, which was part of the Austrian Empire at the time, now located in Austria. Kienzl gained recognition for his operas, which were influenced by the works of Richard Wagner.

In 1894, Kienzl wrote his most famous opera, Der Evangelimann, which premiered in Berlin. The opera was well-received and quickly gained popularity across Europe. Kienzl went on to compose several other operas, including Don Quixote, Der Kuhhandel, and Der Heiligenberg.

Apart from his operas, Kienzl also composed chamber music and songs. He received numerous accolades for his contributions to the world of music, including the prestigious Franz Joseph Order in Austria. Kienzl was also a dedicated pianist and conductor, and he often conducted his own works during performances.

Kienzl was a contemporary of other famous composers such as Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, and Franz Schubert. He attended the first performance of Richard Wagner's Ring Cycle at Bayreuth and was greatly influenced by Wagnerian opera. However, Kienzl did create his own unique and recognizable style, which was characterized by lush melodies and complex harmonies.

Overall, Wilhelm Kienzl was a highly-respected composer of his time, known for his contributions to the operatic repertoire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His works remain popular among music enthusiasts and continue to be performed today.