Joseph Carl Breil

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Joseph Carl Breil
Image:Breil.jpg
Born29 June 1870
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Image:Flag of the United States.svgImage:Flag of Pennsylvania.svg
Died24 January 1926
Los Angeles, California
Image:Flag of the United States.svgImage:Flag of California.svg
Known forFirst person to compose a score specifically for a motion picture
EducationDuquesne University (Class of 1888)
OccupationComposer

Joseph Carl Breil (29 June 1870, Pittsburgh - 24 January 1926, Los Angeles) composed the scores for early motion picture epics such as D. W. Griffith's Birth of a Nation and Intolerance, as well as the theme to the "Amos 'n' Andy" radio show. He graduated from Duquesne University (then the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost) in 1888. Breil later composed the alma mater for the university, which was first performed in October of 1920.[1]

According to the IMDB, Breil was the first person to compose a score specifically for a motion picture, Les amours de la reine Élisabeth (1912) starring Sarah Bernhardt.[2] Breil also composed for several operas, including Love Laughs at Locksmiths (1910), Prof. Tattle (1913), and The Seventh Chord (1913). In addition, Briel composed the opera "The Legend", which premiered in 1919 at the Metropolitan Opera. He died of heart disease in Los Angeles in 1926.[3]

[edit] References and notes

  1. ^ Alma Mater. Duquesne University. Retrieved on 2007-09-23.
  2. ^ See entry at IMDB.com.
  3. ^ Joseph Carl Breil. Internet Movie Database. Retrieved on 2007-09-23.

[edit] External links

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