Stanisław Moniuszko

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Stanisław Moniuszko (b. May 5, 1819 in Ubiel near Mińsk - June 4, 1872 in Warsaw, partitioned Poland) was a Polish conductor, composer, author of many songs, operas, and ballets filled with patriotic and Polish folk themes.

1 Biography
2 Works
- 2.1 Operas
- 2.2 Ballets
3 External links

[edit] Biography

Born in a szlachta family 1819 on eastern fringe of partitioned Poland, he displayed an early interest in music. In 1837 Moniuszko began to study composition in Berlin with Karl Rungenhagen, who also instructed him in choral conducting.

After returning from Berlin he obtained a post as an organist in Vilnius. During that time he became acquainted with the novelist Jozef Ignacy Kraszewski and playwright-satirist Aleksander Fredro, who stimulated his interest in dramatic music. Around 1840, he began to compose intensively, writing his first operas and several other stage works, as well as sacred music and secular cantatas.

During his lifetime Moniuszko traveled numerous times to St. Petersburg where his concerts were very well received. In St. Petersburg Mikhail Glinka and Alexander Dargomyzhsky showed appreciation of Moniuszko's talent; Moniuszko would became a close friend of the latter. He also known Mily Balakirev and Modest Mussorgsky, and his style was appreciated by Hans von Bülow. He was the mentor of César Cui.

He died June 4, 1872 in Warsaw and was buried in Powązki Cemetery. There is a bust monument built in his honor in the Old Town of Vilnius in the middle of the square of his name.

[edit] Works

Moniuszko is generally referred to as the father of Polish opera. His series of twelve song books is also notable, containing songs to the words of Mickiewicz, Odyniec, and Kraszewski.