Osman Zeki Üngör (1880–1958) was a Turkish
composer, violin virtuoso and lyricist, who served
as the first conductor of the Presidential
Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of Turkey.
Üngör further helped establish the State
Conservatory of Turkey and served as its first
headmaster, involving himself actively in the
creation of laws whereby the education of students
with special artistic talent would be wholly
sponsored by the government.
Notable works include the symphonic arrangement of
the original 1921 score for the Turkish National
Anthem, İlim Marşı, Azm-ü Ümit Marşı, Töre Marşı,
Türk Çocukları, and Cumhuriyet Marşı.
Üngör was born in Üsküdar, Istanbul in 1880 as the
son of a sugar merchant and the grandson of
Santuri Hilmi Bey - a well-regarded musician in
the Ottoman Imperial Court and the founder of the
Fasl-ı Cedid body of the Muzika-i Hümayun ('The
New Fasıl Division' of the Ottoman Imperial
Orchestra).
After completing his education at the middle
school of the Beşiktaş Military Academy, he was
admitted into the Musical Academy of the Ottoman
Imperial Orchestra in 1891 at the age of 11, where
he quickly garnered the attention of his
instructors as well as that of Sultan Abdulhamit
II with his talent, who soon placed him under the
instruction of Chief Violinist Vondra Bey and
d’Aradna Pasha. Formally becoming a concert
violinist following the completion of his musical
education, Üngör continued to ascend the ranks of
the Ottoman Imperial Orchestra, soon becoming
first violinist, and ultimately, conductor in
1917.
He was a driving force in transforming the Muzika-
i Hümayun from an orchestra that primarily
performed military marches into a symphonic
orchestra in the true Western sense.
Üngör complemented his orchestra duties with
musical instruction, offering music classes at the
Imperial Orchestra and the Istanbul Erkek Lisesi,
as well as offering weekly public concerts at the
Union Française. He additionally conducted
performance in Vienna, Berlin, Dresden, Munich,
Budapest and Sofia.
Üngör reached the peak of his fame following his
symphonic arrangement for the Turkish National
Anthem in 1922, composed to the lyrics written by
the renowned poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy. He
subsequently became the first conductor of the
newly-established Presidential Symphony Orchestra
of the Republic of Turkey, relocating to Ankara
around 1924 in the process.
He was a key figure in the establishment of the
Musik-i Muallim Cemiyeti, currently the State
Conservatory at Hacettepe University, and served
as its headmaster between the years 1924-1934.
During this time, he was actively involved in the
creation of laws regarding the government
sponsorship and training abroad of especially
talented young artists.
Following his retirement in 1934, Üngör spent his
remaining days in his home at the Maçka Palas in
Istanbul, passing away on February 28, 1958 at the
age of 78. His last wish of having the Istiklal
Marsi performed at his ceremony was eagerly
honored by the Government, making him the second
person in the history of the Republic after Ersoy
to have the national anthem performed at his
funeral. His current resting place is at the
Karacaahmet Cemetery in Üsküdar, Istanbul.
He had one son, Ekrem Zeki, who followed in
Üngör’s footsteps to become a violinist and music
instructor. (Hide extended text) ... (Read all) |
Member account
Turquie