Hugo (David) Weisgall - Major works

Composer, born in Ivancice, Moravia, Czech Republic. American-trained, he taught at the Jewish Theological Seminary, Juilliard, and at Queens College. He is best known for his operas, including Six Characters in Search of An Author (1956).

Hugo Weisgall (October 13, 1912 – March 11, 1997) was an American composer, known chiefly for opera and vocal music.

Weisgall studied at the Peabody Institute, privately with Roger Sessions, and at the Curtis Institute of Music with conductor Fritz Reiner and composer Rosario Scalero.

Weisgall came from a family of several generations of cantors, and maintained a lifelong interest in both sacred and secular Jewish music. Other major works include his most ambitious opera, Athaliah (based on a play by Jean Racine), and his often-performed Six Characters in Search of an Author (based on a play by Luigi Pirandello).

Major works

Operas

Athaliah Esther The Gardens of Adonis Nine Rivers from Jordan Six Characters in Search of an Author The Stronger

Vocal music

A Garden Eastward Cantata for soprano and orchestra A Song of Celebration for tenor, soprano, chorus and orchestra Evening Prayer for Peace (Ki el shomrenu) for chorus a cappella Fancies and Inventions for baritone and 5 instruments Fortress, Rock of Our Salvation (Moos tzur) for chorus a cappella Lyrical Interval song-cycle for low voice and piano Psalm of the Distant Dove Canticle for mezzo-soprano and piano So Spake Rabbi Akiba (Omar Rabbi Akiba) for chorus a cappella