The latest news and top stories on Franz Lehár. Known as a prominent Austro-Hungarian composer, he is celebrated for his operettas, most notably 'The Merry Widow', which achieved worldwide success and revitalised the Viennese operetta genre. His career included roles as a military bandmaster and opera conductor. Lehár's expertise extended to composing popular waltzes and marches, such as the 'Gold and Silver Waltz'. He also wrote other successful operettas including 'The Land of Smiles' and 'The Count of Luxembourg'. Educated at the Prague Conservatory, he was encouraged by Antonín Dvořák to pursue composition. His work significantly shaped the operetta landscape.