Celeste de Longpré Heckscher facts for kids
Celeste de Longpré Heckscher (born Massey on February 23, 1860 – died February 18, 1928) was an amazing American composer. She wrote many different kinds of music, including operas and pieces for piano and orchestra.
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About Celeste Heckscher
Her Early Life and Music
Celeste de Longpré Massey was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her parents were Robert Valentine Massey Jr. and Julia Whitney Pratt Massey. She started writing music when she was only ten years old. However, her parents didn't want her to study music professionally.
In 1883, Celeste married John Austin Stevens Heckscher, who was a banker and businessman. They had four children together.
A Composer's Journey
Even after she got married, Celeste continued to follow her passion for music. She studied how to compose music with a teacher named Henry Albert Lang. She also learned how to arrange music for a full orchestra with Wasili Leps in Philadelphia. Later, she traveled to Europe to continue her musical studies.
In 1913, Celeste Heckscher held a special concert in New York City at the Aeolian Hall. At this concert, only her own musical pieces were performed! This was a big achievement for a composer.
In 1918, her opera called The Rose of Destiny was performed for the very first time. This special event happened at the Metropolitan Opera House in Philadelphia. The performance was a fundraiser to help raise money for the Red Cross, which helps people in need around the world.
Celeste was also very involved with the Philadelphia Operatic Society. She worked hard with the group for many years and even became its president. She passed away in Germantown, Philadelphia.
Her Musical Creations
Celeste de Longpré Heckscher wrote many different types of music. Here are some of her most famous works:
- The Rose of Destiny, an opera (a play where the story is told using music and singing)
- The Flight of Time, another opera
- The Norse Maiden's Lament
- To the Forest, an opera
- Impromptu, a piece for piano
- Au Fond, another piece for piano
- Valse Bohême, a book of seven songs
- Romance for cello (a string instrument)
- Dances of the Pyrenees, which was both an orchestral suite (a collection of musical pieces for an orchestra) and a ballet (a dance performance set to music)
