Wenzel Müller facts for kids
Wenzel Müller (born September 26, 1767 – died August 3, 1835) was an Austrian composer and conductor. He is known as one of the most productive opera composers ever. He wrote an amazing 166 operas!
A Life in Music
Wenzel Müller was born in a place called Markt Türnau, which is in Moravia. When he was young, he learned music from Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf. He also worked as a musician in theaters.
In 1786, Wenzel became the Kapellmeister (which means a music director) at the Theater in der Leopoldstadt in Vienna. This theater was a very important place for music in Vienna. He worked there for many years.
Later, from 1807 to 1813, he worked at a German theater in Prague. But he soon returned to the Leopoldstadt theater in Vienna. He stayed there until 1830. Under his guidance, the theater became a top spot for music in Vienna. He passed away in Baden bei Wien.
His Popular Music
Wenzel Müller was very popular and wrote over 250 musical pieces! He created many stage shows, especially a type of German opera called Singspiele. These were like plays with singing.
But his most lasting works are his art songs. These songs often had clever music and words. They could also be very gentle and sweet. Müller's songs were incredibly popular. Some of the works he made with Ferdinand Raimund are still performed in Vienna today.
Did you know that a famous composer, Ludwig van Beethoven, used a theme from Müller's opera Die Schwestern von Prag? Beethoven used it for his "Kakadu Variations" for piano.
His Family
Wenzel Müller was married twice. His second wife was Magdalena Valley Reining. He had several children, and many of them became opera singers! His children included Therese, Caroline, Carl, and Joseph.
Wenzel Müller died on August 3, 1835, when he was 67 years old. He passed away peacefully in Baden bei Wien, Austria.
