Clemens von und zu Franckenstein


Clemens Erwein Heinrich Karl Bonaventura Freiherr von und zu Franckenstein was a German opera composer.

Early life

Franckenstein was born in Wiesentheid, Germany to Karl, Freiherr von und zu Franckenstein and Elma, née Countess von Schönborn-Wiesentheid. His brother was Austrian Ambassador to England, Georg von und zu Franckenstein. Georg's son, actor Clement von Franckenstein, was his nephew.
Franckenstein studied in Vienna, Austria, and later in Munich, Germany, with Ludwig Thuille and at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt with Iwan Knorr.

Career

After a visit to the USA he conducted the Moody-Manners Opera Company, acted from 1902–1907 as opera conductor in London, then worked at the court theatres of Wiesbaden and Berlin, until the court theaters were abolished after the First World War. He was the last royal general director of the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich and the only one who exercised this office twice. He produced the Munich Opera Festival through 1934 when he was forced out by Nazi prohibitions.

Personal life

Franckenstein, who married Maria Nezádal, died in Hechendorf am Pilsensee, Oberbayern, Germany at age 67.

Stage works

  • Griseldis. Oper in 3 Akten
  • Fortunatus. Oper in 3 Akten
  • Rahab. Oper in 1 Akt
  • Die Biene. Pantomime
  • Li-Tai-Pe, der Kaisers Dichter. Oper in 3 Akten, Op. 43

Orchestral works