 |
August Wilhelm AmbrosFamous German music historian and critic composer
Date of Birth: 17.11.1816
Country:  Austria |
Content:
- Biography of August Wilhelm Ambros
- Early Life and Education
- Musical Career
- Professional Achievements
- Legacy
Biography of August Wilhelm Ambros
August Wilhelm Ambros was a renowned German music historian, composer, pianist, and educator of the 19th century. He was born on November 17, 1816 in Maut, Bohemia.
Early Life and Education
Ambros enrolled at the local university in Prague, the capital of Czechoslovakia, where he studied law. In 1839, he began working as a civil servant. However, his true passion was music, and despite having the potential for a successful career in law, he devoted more and more of his time and energy to the art form.
Musical Career
In 1847, Ambros gained recognition for his overture "Genevieve" based on a saga, which received great acclaim upon its first performance. He followed this with music for Shakespeare's "Othello" (overture and interlude), an overture for the play "Kätchen von Heilbronn" by German playwright Heinrich von Kleist, a symphony, two major compositions, a trio, songs, "Stabat Mater," two sonatas, numerous piano pieces, and more. Many of these works, which bear stylistic resemblance to the compositions of Felix Mendelssohn and Niels Wilhelm Gade, were soon published.
Professional Achievements
In 1848, Ambros was appointed as a prosecutor for press affairs at the Prague Provincial Court and shortly after became a member of the board at the Prague Conservatory. Around 1870, he was granted the title of professor of music and art history at the University of Prague. In 1872, he received an invitation to Vienna, where he held positions in the Ministry of Justice and taught Crown Prince Rudolf the history of music.
Legacy
August Wilhelm Ambros passed away in Vienna on June 28, 1876. In 1954, a street in the 23rd district of Vienna's Lainz district was named "Ambrosweg" in his honor.
