Frances Ziffer facts for kids

Frances Ziffer (born June 5, 1917, died November 7, 1996) was a talented American musician. She was a composer, which means she wrote music. She was also a conductor, leading musical groups, and a pianist, playing the piano. Frances Ziffer created music for many musicals and wrote lots of songs. She often worked with her sister, Hortense Belson.

Discovering Frances Ziffer

Frances Ziffer was born in 1917 and lived until 1996. She was a very creative person who loved music. She spent her life writing music, playing the piano, and leading musical groups. Her work helped bring many stories to life on stage.

Her Musical Journey

Frances Ziffer studied music at a famous school called the Peabody Institute. Here, she learned from important teachers like Carl Friedberg and David Saperton. After her studies, she became a music director for theater groups. This meant she was in charge of all the music for plays and shows. She wrote lyrics, which are the words to songs, or composed the music itself. She created music for at least six musicals and many other songs. Frances Ziffer married Joseph Burgio, but she always published her music using her own name, "Ziffer." She often worked with her sister, Hortense Belson, on different projects.

Musicals She Created

Frances Ziffer wrote music for several musicals. A musical is a play that tells a story using songs, spoken words, acting, and dancing. Here are some of the musicals she helped create:

• A Streetcar Named Desire (This musical was based on a famous play by Tennessee Williams; Frances Ziffer wrote the music.)
• Dakota (The story was written by Tom Hill; Frances Ziffer worked with Hortense Belson and Hardy Wieder on the music and lyrics.)
• Dames at Sea
• Little Brown Jug (The story was by Tom Hill; Hortense Belson wrote the lyrics, and Frances Ziffer composed the music.)
• Surprise Package (The story was by Tom Hill; Frances Ziffer worked with Hortense Belson and Hardy Wieder on the music and lyrics.)
• Three on a Bed: A Musical Satire (Hortense Belson and Thomas Hill wrote the words, and Frances Ziffer wrote the music.)

Songs She Wrote

Besides musicals, Frances Ziffer also wrote many individual songs. Sometimes she worked with other writers and composers to create these songs. Here are some of her well-known songs:

• "Faith Alone" (She wrote this with Martin Kalmanoff and Hardy Wieder.)
• "He Don't Wanna Love Me" (Another song with Martin Kalmanoff and Hardy Wieder.)
• "I Didn't Hear From You" (Eugene Cohen wrote the words, and Frances Ziffer wrote the music.)
• "If and When it Happens" (Eugene Cohen wrote the words, and Frances Ziffer wrote the music.)
• "I'll Know Better Next Time"
• "I'm Only Waiting" (Hardy Wieder wrote the words, and Frances Ziffer wrote the music.)
• "In My Wildest Dreams"
• "Just Passing By"
• "Love is Always New" (Hardy Wieder wrote the words, and Frances Ziffer wrote the music.)
• "No Ifs, Ands or Buts"
• "One Foot to Sea" (She wrote this with Martin Kalmanoff and Hardy Wieder.)
• "Pretty, Pretty Please" (Eugene Cohen wrote the words, and Frances Ziffer wrote the music.)
• "Reward, Reward"
• "Running Through My Mind"
• "Say When" (She wrote this with Martin Kalmanoff and Hardy Wieder.)
• "The Pleasure's All Mine"
• "There's Only One You"
• "Which Way is the Way to Your Heart"