A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Eckert, Carl

by Mary Catherine Hamilton

ECKERT, Carl Anton Florian, violinist, pianist, composer, and conductor, born at Potsdam Dec. 7, 1820. Left an orphan at an early age he was brought up in barracks by his father's comrades, but owed bis education, to Hofrath Förster of Berlin. His early ability was remarkable, not only as a player, but as a composer. By the age of 10 he had completed an opera, by 13 an oratorio, and by 20 another, and both these were performed, and are warmly praised in the A. M. Z. of the time. He studied under various musicians, and in 1839 had the good fortune to become a pupil of Mendelssohn's at Leipzig. With characteristic sympathy for talent Mendelssohn gave him great encouragement, attached himself warmly to him, spoke of him as 'a sound, practical musician,' and corresponded with him.^[1] His oratorio 'Judith' was performed by the 'Sing-Akademie' in Berlin in 1841, and in the following year the King of Prussia sent him to Italy for two years. On his return he composed an opera, 'Wilhelm von Oranien,' which was successfully performed in Berlin (1846) and at the Hague (1848). In 51 he became accompanyist to the Italian theatre in Paris, then accompanied Sontag on her tour in the United States, returning to Paris in 52 as conductor of the Italian Opera. In 54 he was called to Vienna to take the direction of the Court Opera, a post which he filled with great ability and distinction. But none of these things could satisfy him, and in 61 he went to Stuttgart as Capellmeister in Kücken's place. This too he threw up in 67; but in 68 he was suddenly appointed to the head directorship at Berlin in place of Dorn, who was pensioned to make way for him. This post he still retains. Eckert is one of the first conductors of the day, but as a composer he is hardly destined to live. He has composed three operas, much church music, a symphony, a trio, and many pieces of smaller dimensions; but none has made anything that can be called an impression, unless it be a few songs and a fine violoncello concerto. There must be something vacillating and wanting in earnestness in the nature of the man, to have so sadly disappointed the fair hopes entertained of him by Mendelssohn in the outset of his career. [App. p.625 "date of death, Oct. 14, 1879."]

[ M. C. C. ]

1. See an excellent letter (Jan. 26, 1842) full of kind feeling and the most judicious advice and encouragement.