Victor Herbert
Victor Herbert, born on February 1, 1859, in Dublin, Ireland, and passing on May 26, 1924, in New York, was a distinguished American composer, cellist, and conductor. Of English and Irish descent with German musical training, Herbert initially made his mark in Europe as a cello virtuoso and composer. In 1886, he migrated to the United States with his opera singer wife, Therese Förster, where both joined the Metropolitan Opera.
In the U.S., Herbert continued his dual career as a performer and composer, contributing significantly to the American musical landscape. He taught at the National Conservatory of Music and became a prominent figure in the New York Philharmonic Society. His leadership roles included conducting the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra from 1898 to 1904 and founding the Victor Herbert Orchestra.
Herbert's legacy is most enduring in the realm of operettas, with over 40 to his name, including notable works such as "The Serenade" (1897), "Babes in Toyland" (1903), and "Naughty Marietta" (1910). He also composed two grand operas and was a pioneer in creating original symphonic scores for films, notably "The Fall of a Nation" (1916).
Beyond composition, Herbert was a staunch advocate for composers' rights, playing a key role in the establishment of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) in 1914. His efforts contributed to the passage of favorable copyright legislation in 1909, cementing his influence on the protection of musical works.
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