Lehár, Franz, << LAY hahr or LEH hahr, frahnts >> (1870-1948), was the most important composer of operettas of the 1900’s. His The Merry Widow (1905) is the most popular operetta in music history. Lehar’s music is known for its interesting melodic development, colorful orchestrations, and skillful musical and dramatic use of counterpoint.
Lehár’s other important operettas include The Count of Luxembourg (1909) and The Land of Smiles (1929). Lehár also wrote an opera, Giuditta (1934). His instrumental compositions include 3 symphonic poems; about 65 dances, primarily waltzes; 2 violin concertos; and more than 50 marches. Lehár was born on April 30, 1870, in Komarom, Hungary, but spent much of his career in Vienna. He died on Oct. 24, 1948.
See also Merry Widow, The; Operetta.
