Friedrich Kuhlau

Friedrich Kuhlau was a Danish-German composer of the late Classical period.  His student Sonatinas and little piano pieces are very popular.

    Kuhlau was possibly born on September 11, 1786, but his family was poor and there is no record of his birth.  One night when he was seven, his mother sent him out in the dark street to draw water from the well.  Sadly, he fell over and lost sight in one eye. His father, grandfather and uncle played the oboe in the military band.  His family were simple servants in this occupation, few social rights and privileges.  Yet, young Kuhlau loved music.  He was not hindered in his love by his injury, so his parents found a way to pay for his piano lessons.  Eventually they were able to send him to a singing school in Brunswick, where he could also learn other instruments.

    As a teenager, Kuhlau went to school in Hamburg where he studied under Schwencke.  He learnt harmony and published his first compositions.

     Around that time, there was much political uncertainty and small wars in Europe.  Different lords would gather their servants together to try and occupy and control the districts of other lords.  Much of Europe was reorganising into the shape of the countries and districts we now acknowledge.  When Kuhlau was 24, Napoleon was progressing through Europe.  He took hold of Hamburg and Kuhlau fled to Denmark to avoid being enlisted in the fighting forces.

    Once there, he was given a position of first flute player in the Danish Orchestra.  He soon began plans to resurrect the suffering music and opera culture in Scandinavia.  Kuhlaus’ operas were instant successes.  One of his operas, Elvehrøj, remains the National Opera of Denmark.  He used the sounds and songs of the local people to give his work a sense of familiarity and identity. 

    After his success in opera, he was appointed court musician and settled into a more comfortable life-style.  He bought a home and brought his parents to live with him away from the dangers in Germany.  He travelled to Vienna and worked went to parties with Beethoven.  They were very good friends and it is possible that the every day term “cool” was started by Beethoven in reference to his close friend “Kuhl”.  They had much influence on one another.

    Kuhlau wrote extensively in many styles for opera and for many instruments.  Unfortunately, in 1830, a fire destroyed his home and all his unpublished work.  He died shortly afterwards from deep grief. 

    Of Kuhlaus’ compositions, his Danish Operas are still highly popular.  His orchestral and ensemble works are less often played.  His piano works provide a good source of study for intermediate pianists.  He wrote some lovely and some very sensible Rondos, Sonatas, Sonatinas, Waltzes and Variations.  Perhaps if his work had survived today he might be known as another Beethoven.      

Last modified: April 13, 2009