Herman Rietzel
Encyclopedia
Herman Rietzel was an American
pianist
, born in New York City
, who died by drowning at age 19 on May 26, 1882. His father, Charles Rietzel, was Vice-President and first flute of the New York Philharmonic Society
. After studies in Stuttgart, Germany, Herman returned to the United States; he made his debut at Steinway Hall
in New York on May 10, 1877, and, beginning two years before his death, he performed as soloist with the New York Philharmonic on several occasions; he enjoyed particular success in one of the piano concerti of Hermann Goetz
during the season of 1881-1882. According to an official of Steinway and Sons, Rafael Joseffy
spoke highly of Rietzel's promise.
Following the 1881-1882 Philharmonic season, Rietzel signed with a touring company headed by Clara Louise Kellogg
. During a break in that company's tour of New England
, on May 26, 1882 Rietzel and bass singer George Conly took a pleasure outing in a rowboat on Lake Spofford near Chesterfield, New Hampshire
; later that day, the boat was found overturned, but Rietzel's body was not recovered until the following June 7.
A memorial concert for the two victims on June 10, 1882 at New York's Academy of Music
lasted more than three hours and raised at least $4,000 for the benefit of Conly's wife and children. Among the participants was virtuoso
pianist
Teresa Carreño
, who performed Liszt
's Hungarian Rhapsody no. 6 and, as an encore, music of Louis Moreau Gottschalk
. Also participating was a young Emma Juch
, of the same age Reitzel had been at his death, who had made her US debut in the same house only eight months before.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
pianist
Pianist
A pianist is a musician who plays the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers, solo instrumentalists, or other performers.-Choice of genres:...
, born in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, who died by drowning at age 19 on May 26, 1882. His father, Charles Rietzel, was Vice-President and first flute of the New York Philharmonic Society
New York Philharmonic
The New York Philharmonic is a symphony orchestra based in New York City in the United States. It is one of the American orchestras commonly referred to as the "Big Five"...
. After studies in Stuttgart, Germany, Herman returned to the United States; he made his debut at Steinway Hall
Steinway Hall
Steinway Hall is the name of buildings housing concert halls, showrooms and sales departments for Steinway & Sons pianos. The first Steinway Hall was opened 1866 in New York City. Today, Steinway Halls and Steinway-Häuser are located in world cities such as New York City, London, Hamburg, Berlin,...
in New York on May 10, 1877, and, beginning two years before his death, he performed as soloist with the New York Philharmonic on several occasions; he enjoyed particular success in one of the piano concerti of Hermann Goetz
Hermann Goetz
Hermann Gustav Goetz was a German composer.After studying in Berlin, he moved to Switzerland in 1863. After ten years spent as a critic, pianist and conductor as well, he spent the last three years of his life composing...
during the season of 1881-1882. According to an official of Steinway and Sons, Rafael Joseffy
Rafael Joseffy
Rafael Joseffy was a Hungarian pianist and composer.-Life:Raael Joseffy was born in Hunfalu in 1852. His youth was spent in Miskolcz , and there, at the age of 8, he began his study of the piano. He studied in Budapest with Friedrich Brauer, the teacher of Stephen Heller...
spoke highly of Rietzel's promise.
Following the 1881-1882 Philharmonic season, Rietzel signed with a touring company headed by Clara Louise Kellogg
Clara Louise Kellogg
Clara Louise Kellogg was an American singer.She was a daughter of George Kellogg and Jane Elizabeth , born at Sumterville, South Carolina, and was educated in New York for the musical profession, singing first in opera there in 1861. Her fine soprano voice and artistic gifts soon made her famous...
. During a break in that company's tour of New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
, on May 26, 1882 Rietzel and bass singer George Conly took a pleasure outing in a rowboat on Lake Spofford near Chesterfield, New Hampshire
Chesterfield, New Hampshire
Chesterfield is a town in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 3,604 at the 2010 census. It includes the village of Spofford...
; later that day, the boat was found overturned, but Rietzel's body was not recovered until the following June 7.
A memorial concert for the two victims on June 10, 1882 at New York's Academy of Music
Academy of Music (Manhattan)
The Academy of Music was a New York City opera house, located at East 14th Street and Irving Place in Manhattan. The 4,000-seat hall opened on October 2, 1854. The New York Times review declared it to be an acoustical "triumph", but "In every other aspect .....
lasted more than three hours and raised at least $4,000 for the benefit of Conly's wife and children. Among the participants was virtuoso
Virtuoso
A virtuoso is an individual who possesses outstanding technical ability in the fine arts, at singing or playing a musical instrument. The plural form is either virtuosi or the Anglicisation, virtuosos, and the feminine form sometimes used is virtuosa...
pianist
Pianist
A pianist is a musician who plays the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers, solo instrumentalists, or other performers.-Choice of genres:...
Teresa Carreño
Teresa Carreño
María Teresa Carreño García de Sena was a Venezuelan pianist, singer, composer, and conductor.Born into a musical family, she was at first taught by her father, then by Mathias, Louis Moreau Gottschalk and Anton Rubinstein and her talent was recognized at an early age...
, who performed Liszt
Liszt
Liszt is a Hungarian surname. Notable persons with that surname include:* Franz Liszt , Hungarian composer and pianist* Adam Liszt , father of Franz Liszt* Anna Liszt , mother of Franz Liszt...
's Hungarian Rhapsody no. 6 and, as an encore, music of Louis Moreau Gottschalk
Louis Moreau Gottschalk
Louis Moreau Gottschalk was an American composer and pianist, best known as a virtuoso performer of his own romantic piano works...
. Also participating was a young Emma Juch
Emma Juch
Emma Juch was a popular soprano opera singer of the 1880s and 1890s from Vienna, Austria. Her married name was Emma Antonia Joanna Juch Wellman. Her name was more properly Von Juch.-Austrian family:...
, of the same age Reitzel had been at his death, who had made her US debut in the same house only eight months before.