Popovici, Elise (1921–)

views updated

Popovici, Elise (1921–)

Romanian composer, concert pianist, conductor, and lecturer. Born in Suceava, Romania, May 11, 1921; studied with August Karnet in Suceava, 1928–40; studied piano with Elisa Ciolan and orchestral and choral conducting with Antonin Ciolan at Iasi Conservatory; also studied with Constantin Georgescu and George Pascu until her graduation from Iasi in 1947.

Began career on the concert stage (1944); became a research worker at the Folklore Institute in Bucharest (1949) before returning to Iasi, where she lectured in harmony, counterpoint, and piano at George Enescu Conservatory; was also music mistress and pianist for Romanian State Opera, and conducted; wrote 2 symphonies, numerous vocal, piano, and chamber works, as well as pieces for marionette theater; compositions were greatly influenced by the traditions of Romanian folk music.