Thomas Koschat | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 8 August 1845 |
| Died | 19 May 1914 (aged 68) Vienna, Austria-Hungary |
| Nationality | Austrian |
| Occupation(s) | singer, composer |
Thomas Koschat (8 August 1845 – 19 May 1914) was a composer and bass singer from Austria-Hungary. He popularized Carinthian folk music across Europe and the Americas.
Koschat was born on 8 August 1845 in the Viktring district of Klagenfurt.[1] From 1865 to 1867 he attended the Technical University of Vienna, studying chemistry, but he did not obtain a degree.[2] Instead his imagination was captivated by music, and he formed his first vocal quartet in 1866.[3] He joined the Vienna State Opera in 1867, singing bass.[4] In 1874 he joined the choir at St. Stephen's Cathedral.[2] From 1877 until 1906 he performed with the Koschart Quintet. That year he also joined the choir at the Hofmusikkapelle and served as soloist there.[2] As a composer he was known for his Kärntnerlieder, folk songs of Carinthia arranged by himself, or else his own compositions set in that style.[1] With his men's quartet and quintet he toured Europe and the Americas, where the performances of his Carinthian music were enthusiastically received.[2][3] For most of his life he resided in Vienna.[1] Nonetheless, he was made an honorary citizen of Klagenfurt in 1907 owing to the local nature of his work.[1] Koschat died in Vienna, at his home on Strobachgasse in the 5th district, on 19 May 1914.[1] He was buried at Annabichl near Klagenfurt.[1]
Koschat composed numerous pieces for choir, in addition to quartets and songs. Many of these are in waltz time and focus on Carinthian themes and locales. Additionally he published a book of poems in the Carinthian dialect.[4]
A museum dedicated to Koschat was opened in 1934, containing letters, manuscripts, portraits, awards, recordings, and other memorabilia related to his life and output.[1] Heavily damaged during the Second World War, the museum was rebuilt and reopened in 1951 from funds raised through private donations and lotteries.[1] The museum is open May through September for a couple of hours each day.[5]
In 1970 the Austrian Post issued a commemorative postage stamp honoring the 125th anniversary of Koschat's birth.[6]
