Alphons Czibulka

Austro-Hungarian military bandmaster, composer, pianist, and conductor. (May 14, 1842 – October 27, 1894) Czibulka was born in Szepesváralja, Hungary, today Spišské Podhradie, Slovakia (German: Kirchdrauf). He first came to prominence at the age of 15 touring Southern Russia giving piano recitals and concerts. He eventually became musical director at the French Opera in Odessa and at the National Theatre in Innsbruck. In 1865 he was served under Franz von Suppé as conductor at the Carl Theatre in Vienna. Success as conductor and composer in the military led Czibulka onwards to Kapellmeister for Infantry Regiment No. 25 in Prague from 1872 to 1880. When Rudolf, Crown Prince of Austria became engaged, he dedicated "Stephanie Gavotte" to Princess Stéphanie of Belgium, which became one of the most popular salon music pieces of the 19th century. Czibulka wrote over 300 works, especially Viennese-style dance music and marches. His greatest success in writing stage works were his operettas Pfingsten in Florenz (1884) and Der Glücksritter (1887). Other operettas include: Der Jadjunker, Gil Bas, Der Bajazzo.