Victor Herbert (1859–1924) was an Irish-American composer, conductor, and activist whose more than forty works dominated the American musical stage for nearly three decades. His most popular work, Babes in Toyland (1903), is still regularly produced, and “The March of the Toys” and “Toyland” have become Christmas classics.
A man of enormous energy, Herbert also served as Music Director of the Pittsburgh Symphony, his 22nd Regiment Band, and his Victor Herbert Orchestra. As well he championed Irish causes in the U.S. and in Ireland, recorded extensively for the Edison and Victor Recording labels, and was the founder of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), which continues to ensure that copyright holders receive royalties for performance of their work.
The Musical Worlds of Victor Herbert examines the multifaceted life of this influential musician through materials selected from vast Victor Herbert Collection at the Library of Congress.