Wilhelm Kienzl

Wilhelm Kienzl, born in Waizenkirchen, Upper Austria, was a prominent Austrian composer whose life spanned from 1857 to 1941. Kienzl's musical journey took him through prestigious institutions in Graz, Prague, Leipzig, and Vienna, where he even had the opportunity to study briefly with the legendary Franz Liszt in Weimar. His most renowned work is the opera "Der Evangelimann," which premiered in Berlin in 1895 and quickly gained popularity, becoming one of his most performed pieces. Kienzl's compositions span a variety of genres, including operas, melodramas, and orchestral works, each reflecting his unique musical vision. Despite his significant contributions to music, Kienzl's legacy is also marked by his controversial support for the Nazi regime, which included public praise for Adolf Hitler before Austria's Anschluss in 1938. Today, Kienzl's music continues to be appreciated by enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of late 19th and early 20th-century Austrian music.