Holstein, Franz von

1826-1878

German composer; born at Brunswick. He entered a military school and became an officer in the army, but studied music at the same time with Richter. While a lieutenant, he produced his first opera, Zwei Nachte in Venedig. After the Schleswig-Holstein campaign he composed a fiveact opera, Waverly, which he sent to Hauptmann, who advised him to devote himself to music. Thereupon he resigned from the army and became one of Hauptmann's pupils at the Leipsic Conservatory. Here he produced some good compositions, among them the concert overture, Loreley He spent the winter of   1856-1857 in Rome, afterwards visiting Berlin and Paris. Eventually he settled in Leipsic, where he died. Besides the operas named, he composed Die Haideschacht, a comic opera; Die Erbe von Morley; and Die Hochlander. His overture, Frau Aventiure, was published after his death. He also produced many songs and instrumental compositions.