Composer Lehár: Grand master of operetta
Holidays in Bad Ischl following the footsteps of Franz Lehár
Franz Lehár was the son of a family of military musicians. At the age of eleven he composed his first song. His debut works “Wiener Frauen” and “Der Rastelbinder” laid the foundations for his reputation as THE composer of operettas.
Composer Franz Lehár His world success “The Merry Widow” catapulted this Austrian composer of Hungarian descent Franz Lehár to the highest summit of the world of operetta in his day. Soon further masterpieces such as “Der Graf von Luxemburg” followed in the wake of “The Merry Widow”. The fascinating landscape of the Salzkammergut region served as a source of inspiration for Franz Lehár, who was a close friend of the legendary composer Giacomo Puccini. Franz Lehár was one of many artists who chose the imperial city of Bad Ischl as their favourite summer resort. During Lehár's lifetime Bad Ischl was a veritable Mecca of contemporary art: The elite of the empire gathered to find inspiration here in idyllic Bad Ischl.
In addition to his operettas Franz Lehár composed two pieces of symphonic poems, two violin concerts, film music, songs, dances and marches. In his will he bequeathed his beloved villa to the city of Bad Ischl. Today the Lehár museum has found its home here. Together with Oscar Strauss and Leo Fall, Franz Lehár is known as the founding father of the “silver age of operetta”.
Franz Lehár festival in Bad Ischl
Bad Ischl honours the famous composer, who died in the cultural capital of the Salzkammergut region, with a very special festival of classical music. The annual Lehár Festival is held in historic imperial buildings, where guests find themselves enchanted by the unique atmosphere and the sweet magic of the music of Franz Lehár and his contemporary composers.
Follow the musical footsteps of Franz Lehár. The Schweiger family and the team at the Hotel Goldener Ochs look forward to bidding you welcome for your holiday in the beautiful Salzkammergut region. The team will be happy to assemble an individual holilday offer for your vacation in Austria. Send a no-obligation holiday enquiry straight away.
