Thomas Koschat | |
---|---|
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Born | 8 August 1845 |
Died | 19 May 1914 Vienna,
Austria-Hungary | (aged 68)
Nationality | Austrian |
Occupation(s) | singer, composer |
Thomas Koschat (8 August 1845 – 19 May 1914) was a composer and bass singer from Austria-Hungary. He popularized Carinthian folk music across Europe and the Americas.
Koschat was born on 8 August 1845 in the Viktring district of Klagenfurt. [1] From 1865 to 1867 he attended the Technical University of Vienna, studying chemistry, but he did not obtain a degree. [2] Instead his imagination was captivated by music, and he formed his first vocal quartet in 1866. [3] He joined the Vienna State Opera in 1867, singing bass. [4] In 1874 he joined the choir at St. Stephen's Cathedral. [2] From 1877 until 1906 he performed with the Koschart Quintet. That year he also joined the choir at the Hofmusikkapelle and served as soloist there. [2] As a composer he was known for his Kärntnerlieder, folk songs of Carinthia arranged by himself, or else his own compositions set in that style. [1] With his men's quartet and quintet he toured Europe and the Americas, where the performances of his Carinthian music were enthusiastically received. [2] [3] For most of his life he resided in Vienna. [1] Nonetheless, he was made an honorary citizen of Klagenfurt in 1907 owing to the local nature of his work. [1] Koschat died in Vienna, at his home on Strobachgasse in the 5th district, on 19 May 1914. [1] He was buried at Annabichl near Klagenfurt. [1]
Koschat composed numerous pieces for choir, in addition to quartets and songs. Many of these are in waltz time and focus on Carinthian themes and locales. Additionally he published a book of poems in the Carinthian dialect. [4]
A museum dedicated to Koschat was opened in 1934, containing letters, manuscripts, portraits, awards, recordings, and other memorabilia related to his life and output. [1] Heavily damaged during the Second World War, the museum was rebuilt and reopened in 1951 from funds raised through private donations and lotteries. [1] The museum is open May through September for a couple of hours each day. [5]
In 1970 the Austrian Post issued a commemorative postage stamp honoring the 125th anniversary of Koschat's birth. [6]
Thomas Koschat | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Born | 8 August 1845 |
Died | 19 May 1914 Vienna,
Austria-Hungary | (aged 68)
Nationality | Austrian |
Occupation(s) | singer, composer |
Thomas Koschat (8 August 1845 – 19 May 1914) was a composer and bass singer from Austria-Hungary. He popularized Carinthian folk music across Europe and the Americas.
Koschat was born on 8 August 1845 in the Viktring district of Klagenfurt. [1] From 1865 to 1867 he attended the Technical University of Vienna, studying chemistry, but he did not obtain a degree. [2] Instead his imagination was captivated by music, and he formed his first vocal quartet in 1866. [3] He joined the Vienna State Opera in 1867, singing bass. [4] In 1874 he joined the choir at St. Stephen's Cathedral. [2] From 1877 until 1906 he performed with the Koschart Quintet. That year he also joined the choir at the Hofmusikkapelle and served as soloist there. [2] As a composer he was known for his Kärntnerlieder, folk songs of Carinthia arranged by himself, or else his own compositions set in that style. [1] With his men's quartet and quintet he toured Europe and the Americas, where the performances of his Carinthian music were enthusiastically received. [2] [3] For most of his life he resided in Vienna. [1] Nonetheless, he was made an honorary citizen of Klagenfurt in 1907 owing to the local nature of his work. [1] Koschat died in Vienna, at his home on Strobachgasse in the 5th district, on 19 May 1914. [1] He was buried at Annabichl near Klagenfurt. [1]
Koschat composed numerous pieces for choir, in addition to quartets and songs. Many of these are in waltz time and focus on Carinthian themes and locales. Additionally he published a book of poems in the Carinthian dialect. [4]
A museum dedicated to Koschat was opened in 1934, containing letters, manuscripts, portraits, awards, recordings, and other memorabilia related to his life and output. [1] Heavily damaged during the Second World War, the museum was rebuilt and reopened in 1951 from funds raised through private donations and lotteries. [1] The museum is open May through September for a couple of hours each day. [5]
In 1970 the Austrian Post issued a commemorative postage stamp honoring the 125th anniversary of Koschat's birth. [6]