Marcel Prawy

Marcel Prawy, Austria's most famous musicologist and critic, was born on December 29, 1911 in Vienna. During a stay in America with his confidents Jan Kiepura and Mártha Eggerth in the 1930s, he had a good look at the American musical and music in general. From 1955 as dramaturge and producer at the Viennese Volksopera he was substantially responsible for the triumphal march of musical in Austria. Some years later he went to America again, teaching musicology at the Universities of Yale, New Haven, Columbia and Rice. Held introduction seminars at the Opera of Miami and Houston for many years. Author of many books, including the translation of all works written by his intimate friend Leonard Bernstein. During the later years of his life he earned a great number of honorations, including the honorary citizenship of the City of Vienna, Miami and Florida. In December 2001 Austria celebrated Prawy's 90th birthday at the Vienna Opera House.