Carl Millöcker

Carl Millöcker was probably one of the most popular and prolific operetta composers of his period, though today his status rests mainly on Der Bettelstudent and Grafin Dubarry, and he remains to be overshadowed by Lehár and Johann Strauss II. He analyzed flute and music theory in the Vienna Conservatory and after his graduation, made up and conducted in the Thalia Theatre in Graz, where his 1st operetta, the one-act Der tote Gast, was stated in 1865. He 1st became a conductor in the Theatre an der Wein in 1866, but quickly left for possibilities at additional theaters. In 1869, nevertheless, he came back as second conductor and he continued to be connected with that home until his loss of life. While he edited the journal Musikalische Presse and published incidental music for theatre productions, he also started to create full-length operettas, culminating with Der Bettelstudent in 1882. After its achievement, he quit conducting to target his energies upon composing. Gasparone premiered in 1884. His main overseas achievement was the 1890 Der Arme Jonathan, which opened up in London with extra music by Isaac Albéniz. In 1894, he experienced a heart stroke, soon accompanied by others, and was remaining partly paralyzed. His last operetta, Nordlicht, premiered in 1896.