Oesten, Theodor

Born in Berlin, Germany, December 31, 1813.

When he had finished his studies he became very popular as a teacher. In 1843 his rondo entitled "Les Premieres Violettes" had a prodigious success. It was followed by many pieces of a similar nature, whose attractive titles and easy technique kept them in favor for many years.

He died in Berlin, March 16, 1870.

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Offenbach, Jacques

Born in Cologne, Germany, June 21, 1819.

He was of Jewish parentage, went to France in 1833, and is classed among French composers. After some years at the Paris Conservatoire, he began his musical career as a player upon the violoncello. Several compositions followed his debut, and in 1847 he became leader of orchestra at the Theatre Francais. From 1855 to 1866 his operas were produced at the Bouffes-Parisiens, where he was director. Many of them have also been produced throughout Europe and America. An American tour (1876), that profited him little, he described in his "Notes d'un Musicien en Voyage" (1877).

Though not ranking with the greatest composers, Offenbach was the first to bring to the treatment of burlesque the ingenuity and elaboration which others had given to more serious music, and in his own style of operatic work he is supreme. His humor and exuberance are shown in all his characteristic productions, such as "Orphee aux Enfers" (1858), "Genevieve de Brabant" (1860), "La Belle Helene" (1864), "La Grande Duchesse" (1867), etc.

He died in Paris, October 5, 1880.

Biographical Articles

• Jacques Offenbach
• Jacques Offenbach by W.J. Baltzell