Gallenberg, (Wenzel) Robert, Graf Von

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Gallenberg, (Wenzel) Robert, Graf Von

Gallenberg, (Wenzel) Robert, Graf von, Austrian composer; b. Vienna, Dec. 28, 1783; d. Rome, March 13, 1839. He studied under Albrechtsberger in Vienna. In 1803 he married Countess Giulietta Guicciardi (to whom Beethoven dedicated his Sonata No. 2, op.27, the Moonlight). In Naples shortly thereafter, he made the acquaintance of the impresario Barbaja; wrote numerous successful ballets for him, and in 1822–23 was his partner in various operatic enterprises in Vienna. He attempted the management of Vienna’s Kärnthnertortheater (1828–30) but failed, and was obliged to return to Italy, rejoining Barbaja. He wrote about 50 ballets; also a Sonata, marches, fantasies, and other works for piano. Beethoven wrote a set of variations on one of his themes.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire

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