A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Haupt, Carl

by George Grove

HAUPT, Carl, a very distinguished German organist, born Aug. 25, 1810, at Cunau in Silesia; pupil of A. W. Bach, Klein, and Dehn, and at a later date of the two Schneiders. In 1832 he obtained his first post at the French convent in Berlin, from which he gradually rose to the parish church of the city, where he succeeded Thiele in 1849. His reputation spread far beyond his native country, and in 1854 he was consulted by Professors Donaldson, Ouseley, and Willis, the committee appointed to draw up a scheme for a gigantic organ at the Crystal Palace. In 1870 he succeeded his old master Bach as Director of the Königliche Kirchenmusik Institut at Berlin, over which he still continues (1878) to preside. Haupt is remarkable for his fine extempore variations in the style of J. S. Bach—close and scientific, and increasing in elaboration with each fresh treatment of the theme; and in that master's organ music he is probably unsurpassed.

[ G. ]