Recall the lilting melodies of “The Merry Widow?” They echo even now around this Franz Lehár Bust. Here stands a tribute to Franz Lehár. He was a composer who filled Vienna with operettas. This memorial features a stone bust. It was designed by Austrian sculptor Franz Anton Coufal.
Franz Lehár a master of operetta. He was born in what is now Hungary. Back then it was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. He lived from 1870 to 1948. Lehár began as a bandmaster in the imperial army. Later he achieved global fame. This came through his operettas and other musical works.
Lehár spent much of his life in Vienna. This was between 1899 and 1948. Though he died in Bad Ischl. There he had a summer home. Two of Lehár’s former Vienna residences have plaques. They commemorate the composer.
One plaque is at Hackhofergasse 18. It marks the Lehár-Schikaneder-Schlössel. This small summer palace dates back to the early 18th century. Emanuel Schikaneder once owned this property. He founded the Theater an der Wien. Schikaneder also wrote the libretto for Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”. Lehár bought the Schlössel in 1932.
Another plaque is at Theobaldgasse 16. It acknowledges Lehár’s support for those in financial need. Like many artists Lehár frequented Vienna’s coffee houses. He often visited Café Museum, Café Diglas, and Café Sperl. Clearly he had a taste for coffee.
Lehár arrived in Vienna in 1899. He joined the army as a bandmaster. After a few years he left the military. He pursued a music career. This choice made him famous and wealthy. Lehár’s regimental Musikkapelle gave regular concerts. One venue was Zum Wilden Mann. Another was the Kursalon. He conducted a benefit concert at the Kursalon in 1900. It supported the bandmaster pension fund.
The Theater an der Wien premiered many of Lehár’s works. “The Merry Widow” debuted there on December 30th, 1905. Lehár himself conducted. The Die Zeit newspaper praised the operetta’s pure merits.
Lehár’s “Giudetta” premiered at the Staatsoper in 1934. He also conducted there. This marked the first time the Staatsoper hosted his work. Not everyone approved. The Illustrierte Kronen Zeitung noted the triumph of his popularity. This overcame those who feared desecrating the opera house.
The Apollo Kino also played a role in Lehár’s history. It stands where the Apollo Theatre once hosted the premiere of his “Tangokönigin” in 1921.
The unveiling of this Franz Lehár Bust took place on April 29th, 1980. The Austrian president, Rudolf Kirchschläger, attended. The city honored Lehár by naming a street after him in 1948. It is called Lehárgasse.
So, as you stand before this bust remember Franz Lehár’s legacy. Let his melodies fill your heart. Consider his impact on Vienna’s musical heritage.