Weisgall, Hugo David

Weisgall, Hugo David
▪ 1998

      Czech-born American composer and educator (b. Oct. 13, 1912, Eibenschutz, Moravia [now Ivancice, Czech Republic]—d. March 11, 1997, Manhasset, N.Y.), was considered one of the most influential opera composers in the U.S.; his works were praised for their literary merit, psychological drama, and strong vocal line. Born into a musical family that had produced several generations of composers and cantors, Weisgall immigrated with his parents to the United States in 1920. He studied (1927-32) at the Peabody Conservatory, Baltimore, Md., and later attended the Curtis Institute, Philadelphia, where he earned diplomas in conducting (1938) and composition (1939). Following service in the U.S. Army (1941-48), he began a career in teaching, holding positions at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, and the Juilliard School, New York City, among others. Weisgall, who had begun writing operas in the 1930s, premiered two one-act operas in 1952—The Tenor and The Stronger—which established his reputation in the genre. The latter, a monologue for sopranos, was considered one of his finest works. In 1956 he completed his first full-length opera, Six Characters in Search of an Author, an adaptation of Luigi Pirandello's play. His next opera, Purgatory (1958), based on William Butler Yeats's poem, marked Weisgall's first attempt at the 12-note method, an atonal style that characterized much of his later work. Altogether he wrote 10 operas, including Jenny, or the Hundred Nights (1976) and Esther (1993). In addition, he also composed song cycles, ballets, and chamber music. Weisgall was awarded three Guggenheim fellowships along with numerous grants and commissions.

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  • Weisgall, Hugo (David) — born Oct. 13, 1912, Eibenschutz, Moravia died March 11, 1997, Manhasset, N.Y., U.S. Czech born U.S. composer. Born into a musical family that had produced several generations of composers and cantors, he was raised in Baltimore, Md., U.S., from… …   Universalium

  • Weisgall, Hugo (David) — (13 oct. 1912, Eibenschutz, Moravia–11 mar. 1997, Manhasset, N.Y., EE.UU.). Compositor estadounidense de origen checo. Nacido en el seno de una familia de músicos que había aportado varias generaciones de compositores y cantores, desde 1920 se… …   Enciclopedia Universal

  • David — (rey de Israel) V. «lágrimas de David». * * * David. □ V. estrella de David, lágrimas de David. * * * Esta página se refiere al rey bíblico de Israel. Para otros significados del término véase David (desambiguación). David (דָּוִד Amado ) fue el… …   Enciclopedia Universal

  • Hugo — Onomástica ● Origen: Germánico. ● Significado: Inteligencia. ● Onomástica: 1 de Abril y 10 de Agosto. ● Personaje Principal: San Hugo de Grenoble fue obispo de esta ciudad francesa. Tuvo en su diócesis a san Bruno, lo mismo que a los primeros… …   Enciclopedia Universal

  • Hugo — /hyooh goh/ or, often, /yooh /; Fr. /yuu goh /, n. 1. Victor (Marie, Viscount) /vik teuhr meuh ree /; Fr. /veek tawrdd mann rddee /, 1802 85, French poet, novelist, and dramatist. 2. a male given name. * * * (as used in expressions) Aalto Hugo… …   Universalium

  • David — /day vid/ for 1, 2, 5; Fr. /dann veed / for 3, 5; Sp. /dah veedh / for 4, 5, n. 1. died c970 B.C., the second king of Israel, reigned c1010 c970, successor to Saul: slayer of the Philistine giant Goliath. 2. Saint. Also called Dewi Sant. A.D.… …   Universalium

  • Hugo Weisgall — Hugo David Weisgall (October 13, 1912 – March 11, 1997) was an American composer, known chiefly for opera and vocal music. He was born in Eibenschitz (now Ivančice), Moravia (then part of Austria Hungary, later in his childhood Czechoslovakia)… …   Wikipedia

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  • Nine Rivers from Jordan — Operas by Hugo Weisgall The Stronger (1952) Six Characters in Search of an Author (1959) Nine Rivers from Jordan (1968) Will You Marry Me? (1989) Esther (1993) …   Wikipedia

  • Anexo:Óperas — Esta es una lista de más de 1.800 obras de unos 450 compositores de ópera. Se recogen las principales obras de los mejores compositores, así como de otros de importancia histórica relativa en el desarrollo de esta forma de arte. Muchas de las… …   Wikipedia Español

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