Friday, May 16, 2014

Carl Michael Ziehrer - His Music and His Life

Carl Michael Ziehrer was born in Vienna on May 2, 1843 and became a student of Simon Sechter (1788-1867), a Military bandmaster and conductor of the "Hoch- und Deutschmeister Regiments" and in 1908, the Court Ball Music Director".

Ziehrer lived long enough to experience the Austrian monarchy decline. His life ended up in poverty. Out of his 600 (!) dance compositions remained only a few, such as "Weaner Madlin" ("Viennese Girls").

Out of his 22 operettas only one remained as uncertain success: "Die Landstreicher" ("The Hobos", 1899).

Carl Michael Ziehrer passed away in Vienna on November 14, 1922.