A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Heinze, Gustav

by J. A. Fuller-Maitland

HEINZE, Gustav Adolph, born at Leipzig, Oct. 1, 1820, the son of a clarinettist in the Gewandhaus orchestra, into which he was himself admitted, in the same capacity, in his 16th year. In 1840 Mendelssohn gave him a year's leave of absence in order that he might perfect himself in the pianoforte and study composition. The tour which he took to Cassel, Hanover, Hamburg, etc., induced him to give up his earlier instrument altogether, and to devote himself to composition. In 1844 he was appointed second capellmeister at the theatre at Breslau, where in 1846 his opera 'Loreley' was produced with great success. This was followed by 'Die Ruine von Tharand' in 1848, which also obtained much success. The books of both were by his wife. In 1850 he received the appointment of conductor of the German opera in Amsterdam, and although that institution was not of long duration, he has since remained in that city. Many choral societies, some of a philanthropic nature, have been directed by him, and thus opportunities were given for the production of the two oratorios 'Die Auferstehung,' and 'Sancta Cecilia,' in 1863 and 1870 respectively. The list of his works includes, besides the above, three masses, cantatas, three concert overtures, and many choral compositions of shorter extent, as well as songs, etc. (Mendel's Lexicon.)

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