Conradin Kreutzer
A composer whose operas and stage music captured the spirit of German Romanticism, charming Viennese audiences in the early 19th century.
1780–1849 (age 69)·German composer and conductor·Birthday: November 22
Biography
Born in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Conradin Kreutzer's musical journey began with law studies before he fully surrendered to composition. He moved to Vienna, the cultural heart of the era, where he found his stride. Kreutzer became a fixture in the city's musical life, serving as a conductor at the Theater in der Josefstadt and later at the prestigious Kärntnertortheater. His output was substantial, but his legacy is anchored in his stage works. The opera 'Das Nachtlager in Granada' and his melodious incidental music for Ferdinand Raimund's popular play 'Der Verschwender' were particular triumphs, blending folk-like tunefulness with theatrical flair. While later overshadowed by titans like Wagner, Kreutzer's music represented the accessible, heartfelt side of German Romantic opera, earning him a devoted public following during his lifetime.
#1 When Conradin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1780
Conradin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1780Born
1785Started school
1793Became a teenager
1796Could drive
1798Could vote
1801Turned 21
1810Turned 30
1820Turned 40
1830Turned 50
1840Turned 60
1849Died at 69
Key Achievements
- Composed the successful Romantic opera 'Das Nachtlager in Granada', which premiered in Vienna in 1834.
- Wrote the enduringly popular incidental music for Ferdinand Raimund's play 'Der Verschwender' in the same year.
- Served as Kapellmeister at the Kärntnertortheater in Vienna, one of the city's leading opera houses.
- His compositions include over 30 stage works, numerous songs, and chamber music.
Did You Know?
He was a student of the composer Johann Georg Albrechtsberger, who also taught Beethoven.
His daughter, Cäcilie Kreutzer, became a well-known opera singer.
Despite the similar name, he is not related to the violinist and composer Rodolphe Kreutzer, whom Beethoven famously dedicated a sonata to.
Some of his works were published under the variant spelling 'Kreuzer'.
“Music should speak directly to the heart, without pretense.”
