Stephanie Wurmbrand-Stuppach facts for kids
Countess Stephanie von Wurmbrand-Stuppach (born December 26, 1849 – died February 16, 1919) was a talented Hungarian pianist and composer. She was also known by the name Stephanie Brand-Vrabely. She wrote many pieces of music for the piano and other instruments.
About Stephanie's Life
Stephanie von Wurmbrand-Stuppach was born in a city called Pressburg, which is now Bratislava in Slovakia. At that time, it was part of Hungary. Her father, Karl von Vrabély, was in charge of the Royal Hungarian Mail. Her mother, Seraphine Edle von Szlemenics, was a highly educated woman. She was the daughter of a famous professor, Paul von Szlemenics.
Stephanie showed a gift for music very early on. She started taking piano lessons when she was young. By the age of 14, she had already written her first song! Later, she put together a collection of thirty songs. She used the pen name Stephanie Brand-Vrabely for these works.
Stephanie became a well-known musician. She performed concerts in Vienna and many other big cities across Europe. People enjoyed listening to her play.
On July 6, 1869, Stephanie married Count Ernst von Wurmbrand-Stuppach. He was the brother of another notable person, Adelma Vay. Besides her music, Stephanie also enjoyed writing. She published articles in the special sections of different newspapers. Her hard work and talent were recognized. She received a Silver Medal for Art and Science from Ernest II, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. This was a special award for her achievements.
Stephanie's Music
Stephanie von Wurmbrand-Stuppach wrote many different kinds of music. Most of her pieces were for the piano. She also composed songs, dances, and music for other instruments.
Here are some examples of the types of music she created:
- Piano Works: She wrote many pieces for the piano. These included short fantasy pieces, dance scenes, and studies. Some titles were "Ocean," "Aeolian Harp," and "Elf at the spinning wheel."
- Piano Sonata: She composed a longer piece for piano called a Sonata (Opus 35).
- Elegy: An elegy is a sad or thoughtful piece of music. She wrote one called "Auf der Glatzen."
- Anthem: She composed a special song called the "Kaiserin Elisabeth-Hymne."
- Concert Pieces: These were pieces meant for concerts. She wrote some in a Hungarian style.
- Songs: Stephanie wrote many songs, including "Der Wald ist kühl" and "Wiegenliedchen" (a lullaby).
- March: She composed a march titled "Graf Wilczel."
- Quintet: A quintet is a piece for five instruments or voices. Her quintet was called "My day has three hours."
- Dances: She composed several waltzes, including the "Steffi-Walzer."
- Violin Sonata: She also wrote a sonata for the violin.
