Karl Tsirer Austrian composer and conductor. Date of Birth: 02.05.1843 Country: Austria

1. Biography of Karl Czirer
2. Works

Biography of Karl Czirer

Karl Czirer was an Austrian composer and conductor known for his operettas, waltzes, polkas, and marches. He was born in Vienna into a prosperous hat manufacturer's family. After studying music at the Vienna Conservatory, he began composing and competed with Johann Strauss for the attention of the Viennese audience.

In 1863, Czirer organized his own orchestra and also conducted a military orchestra. In 1866, he premiered his first operetta, a one-act called "Heaven of Mohammed."

During the 1870s, Czirer started publishing the music journal "Deutsche Musikzeitung" and toured Europe with his orchestra, gaining popularity. In 1881, he met his future wife, Marianne Edelmann, an operetta artist, in Berlin.

From 1885 to 1893, Czirer continued touring Europe. As a renowned conductor, he received a personal invitation to the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. In 1899, he premiered his new operetta "The Vagabond" which was well-received, but his greatest success came with another operetta, "The Guide" in 1902.

In 1909, Czirer was honored with the title "Musical Director of Court Balls," previously held by the Strauss family. He became the last holder of this title. World War I led to Czirer's financial ruin, and he died in Vienna in 1922, forgotten by many. He was buried in the Central Cemetery of Vienna among other famous individuals.

Czirer is commemorated with a monument in Vienna (on Prater Hauptallee street), and the National Library houses a memorial room dedicated to him (Vienna 1, Josefplatz square, 1).

Works

Czirer composed over 600 waltzes, polkas, and marches that are still performed today. His Polonaise is a traditional piece at the Vienna Ball in Moscow.

Some of his major operettas include:
- King Jerome (König Jérôme, 1878)
- The Vagabond (Die Landstreicher, 1899)
- The Three Wishes (Die drei Wünsche, 1901)
- The Guide (Der Fremdenführer, 1902)
- The Treasurer (Der Schatzmeister, 1904)
- Spirited Ghosts (Fesche Geister, 1905)
- Crazy Girl (Ein tolles Mädel!, 1907)

Some of his popular waltzes include:
- Viennese Girls (Weaner Madl'n, op. 388)
- Viennese Citizens (Wiener Burger, op. 419)
- New Century, New Life (Seculo nuovo, vita nuova, op. 498)
- I Laugh! (Ich lach!, 554)