Franz Lehar, born in 1870, was an Austrian composer known for his operettas. Some synonyms for Franz Lehar include: musical genius, operetta master, composer extraordinaire, Vienna's Waltz King, and the father of light operetta. He is perhaps best known for his works The Merry Widow and The Land of Smiles, which have been performed in countless languages around the world. Lehar's music is characterized by its catchy melodies, enchanting waltzes, and romantic themes, all of which have made him one of the most beloved musical figures of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.