The Violoncello and Its HistoryWasielewski, Wilhelm Joseph von
History
The Violoncello and Its History
Wasielewski, Wilhelm Joseph von
Cellists; Cello -- History
HEINRICH RÖVER distinguished himself, who was born May 27, 1827.
Röver belongs to the number of those violoncellists who were at first
violinists. As early as eight years of age he decided in favour of the
violoncello. Fétis says of him: “He was about 1863 the cleverest player
of his instrument in Vienna.” Of his compositions may be cited--Idyll
(Op. 1), Mazurka (Op. 8), and “Sérénade du Savoyard” (Op. 11). Röver
died in 1876.
JOSEPH M. MARX, born in 1792 at Würzburg, where he also received his
musical education, began his artistic career as member of the Theatre
orchestra at Frankfort-on-the-Main, whence he went to Vienna, in order
to study under Merk. Later on he worked in the Stuttgard orchestra,
until he was appointed first Violoncellist at Carlsruhe. He finally
was musical director there, and died while working in this capacity on
November 11, 1836. His daughter, Pauline, made her appearance on the
stage as a singer during the years 1830-40. Concerning FRANCO-MENDEZ,
see the Cello players of Holland.
To the best Viennese violoncellists about the middle of our century
belongs CARL SCHLESINGER, born on August 19, 1813. The violin was
originally his instrument. After the lapse of three years he devoted
himself to the Violoncello. Who his master was is unknown. In 1838 he
was appointed solo cellist to the Pesth National Theatre. He gave up
this place in 1846, as the opportunity presented itself of entering the
Imperial Opera orchestra in the same capacity at Vienna. In 1862 the
office of cello teacher at the Conservatoire there was committed to him.
Schlesinger’s most noted pupils are: Udel, Sulzer, Hummer, and Hegyesi.
CARL UDEL, born on February 6, 1844, at Warasdin, in Croatia, was early
directed to the study of music by his father, who was Kapellmeister,
and went in September, 1859, to the Conservatoire at Vienna. He next
occupied himself there with violin playing under the guidance of
Professor Carl Heissler. Twelve months after he took up the Violoncello,
and for five years received instruction from Schlesinger. In 1867 he
was first Cellist at the opera in Pesth; a year later, however, he
returned to Vienna and was engaged there, in 1869, for the orchestra
of the new opera house. By degrees he rose in his profession, and in
May, 1876, he entered the Conservatoire as substitute for Röver, whose
duties were then performed by Hilpert for a year. After the resignation
of the former, Udel was again elected in his place. In 1878 Cello
instruction at the Conservatoire was divided between him and Hummer, who
in the interval had been nominated first Cello player of the Imperial
Hofkapelle. Hummer received the three upper and Udel the three lower
classes. After three years of work the latter obtained the title of
Professor. On account of an injured hand, Udel was obliged to give up
his place as member of the opera house, since when he has not played in
public. He now devotes himself entirely to teaching.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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