As fall can evoke a romantic spirit, let’s celebrate five Romantic
composers who began their lives in October.
Verdi was born October 9 or 10, 1813, near Busselo (Italy). While
yet a teenager, Video wrote a set of variations for the pianoforte, which he
performed publicly in may venues. As an adult her also gave private lessons,
included to Margherita Barezzi, who became his first wife. A romantic, operatic
story in itself.
Liszt was born October 22, 1811, in Raiding, Hungary. Like Verdi,
who was about the same age, Liszt was a Romantic composer, but his list of piano
compositions and performance greatly outpaced Verdi’s. Liszt was also a
professional concert pianist, from age 10, and continued for decades, becoming a
19th century “star” in Europe. He also taught hundreds more students
than Verdi.
Johann Strauss II was born October 25, 1825, in Vienna. He composed
over 500 dance pieces amd other light music. Known as the Waltz king, he
popularized the Viennese waltz.
Saint-Saens was born October 9, 1835, in Paris. He too was a
Romantic composer and performer. He started his public piano performances at
age 10, although he made more money as an organist. He
taught both organ and piano studies, but left that profession to focus on
composing and performing. During World War I he performed frequently to raise
money for war charities. Even at age 86 he was still playing professionally.
Bizet was born October 25, 1838, in Paris. Bizet was an award-winning
pianist himself, but he didn’t want to be known for this skill, so he seldom
performed publicly. Mainly known for his operas, especially Carmen, Bizet also composed
for the piano, but was largely ignored for them. To make a living, Bizet made hundreds
of piano transcriptions of other composers’ pieces.
