Arthur Nikisch facts for kids
Arthur Nikisch was a famous Hungarian conductor. He was born in Lébény Szent Miklós, Hungary, on October 12, 1855. He passed away in Leipzig, Germany, on January 23, 1922. Many people believed he was the greatest conductor of his time. He led orchestras in Germany and all around the world.
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Life of a Great Conductor
Arthur Nikisch was born in Hungary. At that time, Hungary was part of a large country called the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His father came from a place called Moravia, and his mother was Hungarian.
Early Musical Talent
Even as a young boy, Arthur showed amazing musical talent. He learned to play both the piano and the violin. He studied music at the famous Vienna Conservatory. There, he won awards for writing music and for his skills on the violin and piano.
While still a student, he played the violin in an orchestra. He even performed when the famous composer Richard Wagner conducted a concert. This concert was held to celebrate the start of building Wagner's new theater in Bayreuth. This theater is called the Bayreuth Festspielhaus.
Joining Famous Orchestras
Later, Arthur Nikisch joined the Vienna Court Orchestra. He played in concerts led by very famous composers. These included Brahms, Liszt, Verdi, and Wagner.
Soon, he began his own career as a conductor in Leipzig, Germany. He quickly became famous all over the world. In 1889, he was invited to lead the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the USA. He conducted many concerts across America.
Leading Top Orchestras
In 1893, Arthur Nikisch became the conductor of the Budapest Opera. Just two years later, he also took over the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. He replaced another well-known conductor, Carl Reinecke. In the same year, he also became the main conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic. He continued to lead these two world-famous orchestras until he died.
International Tours and Teaching
Nikisch traveled the world, giving concerts as a guest conductor. He worked with great orchestras like the Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam. He also conducted the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 1912, he took the London Symphony Orchestra on a tour to the USA. This was the first time a European orchestra toured America. Luckily, they canceled their trip on the RMS Titanic at the very last minute! Besides conducting, he also taught conducting at the Leipzig Conservatory.
Influencing Music
Nikisch was especially famous for conducting music by great Romantic composers. These included Schumann, Brahms, Bruckner, Tchaikovsky, and Wagner. He also conducted music by Beethoven.
He had a big influence on the next generation of conductors. Some of these included Wilhelm Furtwängler and Sir Adrian Boult. He also helped composers like Mahler, Max Reger, and Richard Strauss become famous by performing their music.
Arthur Nikisch married a singer named Amélie Heusner. Their son, Mitja, also became a successful pianist.
Images for kids
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Arthur Nikisch.
See also
In Spanish: Arthur Nikisch para niños
