Popovici, Elise (1921—)

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Popovici, Elise (1921—)

Rumanian composer, concert pianist, conductor, and lecturer. Born in Suceava, Rumania, on May 11, 1921; studied piano, theory, harmony, counterpoint, and composition 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.

Elise Popovici was born in Suceava, Rumania, in 1921, studied at the Iasi Conservatory, and began her career on the concert stage in 1944. She became a research worker at the Folklore Institute in Bucharest in 1949 before returning to Iasi, where she lectured in harmony, counterpoint, and piano at the George Enescu Conservatory. She was also music mistress and pianist for the Rumanian State Opera, and conducted. Popovici wrote two symphonies, numerous vocal, piano, and chamber works as well as pieces for marionette theater. Her compositions were greatly influenced by the traditions of Rumanian folk music.

John Haag , Athens, Georgia