# Friedrich von Flotow

> German composer (1812–1883)

**Wikidata**: [Q155425](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q155425)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich_von_Flotow)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/friedrich-von-flotow

## Summary

Friedrich von Flotow was a German composer who lived from 1812 to 1883. He is best known as the composer of the romantic comic opera "Martha." His work contributed to the 19th-century opera tradition, and he maintained affiliations with notable musical institutions including the Conservatoire de Paris and the Mecklenburg State Theatre.

## Biography

- **Born:** 1812
- **Died:** 1883
- **Nationality:** German
- **Affiliation:** Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
- **Known for:** Composing operas, particularly "Martha" (a romantic comic opera)
- **Employer(s):** Mecklenburg State Theatre (opera company in Schwerin, Germany)
- **Education:** Conservatoire de Paris (music and dance school in Paris, France, founded 1795)
- **Field(s):** Music composition, opera

## Contributions

- **Martha:** Composed this romantic comic opera, which remains associated with his name and contributes to the operatic repertoire (sitelink_count: 18)
- **Opera compositions:** Authored works in the opera artform, which combines sung text and musical score in a theatrical setting (opera as an artform dates to 1600)
- **Career development:** Studied at the Conservatoire de Paris, one of the world's leading music and dance schools
- **Professional affiliation:** Worked with the Mecklenburg State Theatre, an opera company in Schwerin, Germany

## FAQs

**What is Friedrich von Flotow best known for?**
Friedrich von Flotow is best known as the composer of the opera "Martha," a romantic comic opera that represents his primary contribution to the operatic repertoire.

**Where did Friedrich von Flotow study?**
Friedrich von Flotow studied at the Conservatoire de Paris, the prestigious music and dance school established in Paris, France in 1795.

**What type of music did Friedrich von Flotow compose?**
Friedrich von Flotow composed operas, which are theatrical works combining sung text and musical score. His best-known work is the opera "Martha."

**Where was Friedrich von Flotow employed?**
Friedrich von Flotow was affiliated with the Mecklenburg State Theatre, an opera company located in Schwerin, Germany.

**What nationality was Friedrich von Flotow?**
Friedrich von Flotow was German, born in 1812 and died in 1883. He was associated with the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.

## Why They Matter

Friedrich von Flotow matters as a representative German composer of the 19th century who contributed to the operatic tradition. His opera "Martha" has maintained cultural significance, as evidenced by its continued presence in operatic discourse (sitelink_count: 18). His association with the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin places him within the cultural context of German musical history during the 19th century. His education at the Conservatoire de Paris demonstrates the international connections in European musical training during that era, and his affiliation with the Mecklenburg State Theatre shows his connection to regional German musical institutions. Without his contributions, the body of 19th-century German opera would be less complete, and the specific tradition represented by "Martha" would not exist in its current form.

## Notable For

- Composer of "Martha," a romantic comic opera
- German composer active during the 19th century (1812–1883)
- Graduate of the Conservatoire de Paris
- Affiliation with the Mecklenburg State Theatre in Schwerin
- Association with the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin

## Body

### Early Life and Background

Friedrich von Flotow was born in 1812 in Germany. His life unfolded during a period of significant cultural development in German-speaking territories. He was associated with the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, a grand duchy that existed from 1815, placing him within a specific regional and political context of 19th-century Germany.

### Education and Training

Flotow pursued formal musical education at the Conservatoire de Paris, one of Europe's most prestigious music institutions. The Conservatoire de Paris was founded on August 3, 1795, and is located in Paris, France (country: ). This educational background provided him with rigorous training in composition and musical arts, connecting him to the French musical tradition while maintaining his German identity.

### Career and Professional Affiliations

Following his education, Friedrich von Flotow pursued a career in musical composition, specifically focusing on opera. He maintained professional affiliations with significant musical institutions. The Mecklenburg State Theatre in Schwerin, Germany (country: ) served as one of his primary employer affiliations. This opera company represents the regional German theatrical infrastructure that supported composers like Flotow during the 19th century.

### Musical Works and Contributions

Flotow's primary contribution to music history lies in his operatic compositions. His most notable work is "Martha," a romantic comic opera that has maintained cultural relevance, as evidenced by its presence in operatic discourse (sitelink_count: 18). Opera as an artform combines sung text and musical score in a theatrical setting, with roots dating back to 1600. Flotow contributed to this tradition through his compositions, helping to expand the repertoire of 19th-century German opera.

### Legacy and Influence

As a German composer working in the 19th century, Flotow represents the tradition of European opera composition that flourished during that period. His connection to both French (through his education at the Conservatoire de Paris) and German (through his affiliation with the Mecklenburg State Theatre and the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin) musical institutions illustrates the international nature of 19th-century classical music. The continued recognition of his opera "Martha" demonstrates the lasting impact of his work within the operatic tradition.

## References

1. Archivio Storico Ricordi
2. Integrated Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. MusicBrainz
5. CiNii Research
6. [Source](https://kalliope-verbund.info/DE-611-BF-9859)
7. SNAC
8. Internet Broadway Database
9. International Music Score Library Project
10. IMDb
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. filmportal.de
13. Discogs
14. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
15. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
16. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. Virtual International Authority File
19. CONOR.SI
20. LIBRIS. 2012
21. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
22. performing-arts.ch