Franz Lehár

Franz Lehár (1870–1948) was a Hungarian-born composer renowned for his contributions to operetta, a light form of opera combining music, humor, and romantic storytelling. His most famous work, "The Merry Widow" (1905), is celebrated worldwide for its catchy melodies and charming plot. Lehár's style is characterized by elegant orchestration and memorable tunes that balance lively numbers with heartfelt ballads. He played a key role in popularizing operetta in the early 20th century, blending classical music techniques with accessible, entertaining stories that remain influential and frequently performed today.