Rudolf Friml |

Rudolf Friml

One of the founders of the American operetta, Rudolf Friml, was born in Prague in the family of a baker on December 7, 1879. He wrote his first piece of music, Barcarolle for Piano, at the age of ten. In 1893, Friml entered the Prague Conservatory and studied in the composition class of the famous Czech composer I. Foerster. Four years later he became the accompanist of the outstanding violinist Jan Kubelik.

In 1906, the young musician went to seek his fortune in America. He settled in New York, performed his Piano Concerto at Carnegie Hall and other renowned concert halls, and composed songs and orchestral pieces. In 1912 he made his debut as a theater composer with the operetta Firefly. Having won success in this field, Friml created several more operettas: Katya (1915), Rose Marie (1924 with G. Stotgart), The King of the Tramps (1925), The Three Musketeers (1928) and others. His last work in this genre is Anina (1934).

From the early 30s, Friml settled in Hollywood, where he began working on film scores.

Among his works, in addition to operettas and film music, are a Piece for Violin and Piano, a Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Czech Dances and suites for a symphony orchestra, and light pop music.

L. Mikheeva, A. Orelovich