 |
Maurice StrakoschPianist, composer and impresario.
Date of Birth: 15.01.1825
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Maurice Strakosh
Maurice Strakosh, a pianist, composer, and impresario of Czech origin, began his musical career at the age of 11. He made his debut as a pianist in Brno, performing Hummel's piano concerto. Due to his parents' negative attitude towards his musical career, Strakosh ran away from home and headed to Vienna, where he studied under Simon Sechter while also singing in a small opera troupe. He then went to Italy to study singing with Juditta Pasta, who eventually dissuaded him from pursuing a vocal career.
In 1843, at a music festival in Vicenza, Strakosh met Salvatore Patti. Five years later, he became the impresario of Patti's troupe and organized their tours in New York. These tours marked the beginning of Strakosh's successful managerial career in the United States and his long association with the Patti family. In 1852, Strakosh married Amalia Patti, the daughter of Salvatore Patti, and became the first impresario of her younger and more famous sister, Adelina Patti. He continued to work as Adelina Patti's manager from her debut in 1859 until her first marriage in 1868. Strakosh is considered to be one of her most important mentors. Among other singers whom Strakosh worked with as an impresario were Teresa Parodi, Christina Nilsson, and Maria Halbron.
Although primarily known as an impresario, Strakosh occasionally performed as a pianist. He played duets with Ole Bull during the latter's American tours in 1853, and 10-year-old Adelina Patti also participated in these concerts. In 1857, Strakosh successfully staged his opera "Don Giovanni di Napoli" in New York. He also composed piano pieces and songs.
Memoirs
In 1886, Strakosh published a small memoir titled "Souvenirs d'un imprésario" in Paris.
