Franz Behr
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Franz Behr's only piece that appears in the modern-day repertoire is a transcription by Rachmaninoff of his Polka in F major, Op. 303. The tune was a favorite of Rachmaninoff's father, but it is not known whether Rachmaninoff knew its true author. The theme was believed to be an original work of Rachmaninoff's until the late 20th century when the true author of the melody was identified. The transcription is now generally listed as being by "Behr/Rachmaninoff", or "Behr, arr. Rachmaninoff".
Franz Behr was a prolific German composer of songs and salon pieces for piano. Behr was popular at one time, and many of his works were published (his opus numbers reached at least 582, with Royal Gavotte). His works include names such as The Camp of the Gypsies (Im Zigeunerlager, Op. 424 No. 3), Will o' the wisp (Op. 309 No. 2), Valse des Elfes (Op. 497), Perciotta, serenande catalane, and Evening Chimes in the Mountains. He also wrote under the names G. Bachmann (Marche bulgare, Succès-mazurk, Collier de rubis, Paris-valse, Gavotte duchesse, Floréal mazurka) and Charles Godard (La Belle Fileuse, L'Angelus (Op. 65), Danse d'Etoiles - Valse (Op. 66)).
