Felix Arndt was an American composer and pianist born on May 20, 1889, and passed away on October 16, 1918. He is best known for composing the piano solo piece titled "Nola," which he completed in 1915. "Nola" is a novelty piano ragtime piece that became immensely popular and remains one of Arndt's most recognized works.
Here are some interesting facts about Felix Arndt and his composition "Nola":
Nola's Inspiration: Arndt composed "Nola" as a wedding gift for his wife, Nola Locke. The piece is a portmanteau of her first name.
Success and Popularity: "Nola" became a huge success and quickly gained popularity, turning Felix Arndt into a household name in the early 20th century music scene.
Versatility: While "Nola" is his most famous work, Felix Arndt was a versatile composer, contributing to various genres such as ragtime, novelty piano, and classical music.
Other Compositions: Arndt wrote numerous compositions during his short career, but none achieved the level of success that "Nola" did. Some of his other works include "Desecration Rag" and "Pietro."
Tragic End: Unfortunately, Felix Arndt's promising career was cut short by the influenza pandemic of 1918. He succumbed to the illness at the young age of 29.
Despite his brief career, Felix Arndt's legacy lives on through his enduring composition "Nola," which continues to be celebrated and performed by pianists around the world.