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Friedrich Ferdinand Adolf, Freiherr von Flotow

1911 Encyclopedia Britannica

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FRIEDRICH FERDINAND ADOLF VON, FREIHERR FLOTOW (1812-1883), German composer, was born on his father's estate at Teutendorf, in Mecklenburg, on the 27th of April 1812. Destined originally for the diplomatic profession, his passion for music induced his father to send him to Paris to study under Reicha. But the outbreak of the revolution in 1830 caused his return home, where he busied himself writing chambermusic and operetta until he was able to return to Paris. There he produced Pierre et Catherine, Rob Roy, La Duchesse de Guise, but made his first real success with Le Naufrage de la Meduse at the Renaissance Theatre in 1838. Greater, however, was the success which attended Stradella (1844) and Martha (1847), which made the tour of the world. In 1848 Flotow was again driven home by the Revolution, and in the course of a few years he produced Die Grossfiirstin (1850), Indra (1853), Rilbezahl (1854), Hilda (1855) and Albin (1856). From 1856 to 1863 he was director (Intendant) of the Schwerin opera, but in the latter year he returned to Paris, where in 1869 he produced L' Ombre. From that time to the date of his death he lived in Paris or on his estate near Vienna. He died on the 2 4 th of January 1883. Of his concert-music only the Jubelouvertiire is now ever heard. His strength lay in the facility of his melodies.