A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Herzogenberg, Heinrich von

by J. A. Fuller-Maitland

HERZOGENBERG, Heinrich Von, born June 10, 1843, at Gratz in Styria, studied at the Vienna Conservator ium from 1862–4, after which his time was divided between Gratz and Vienna, until 1872, when he went to Leipzig. From 1875 to 1885 he was conductor of the Bachverein in that town, and was subsequently appointed head of the department of theory and composition at the Hochschule at Berlin. In the spring of 1886 he succeeded Kiel as professor, and at the same time became head of an academical 'Meisterschule' for composition. His works are for the most part remarkable for breadth, vigour, and originality. That they bear traces of the influence of Brahms is surely no reproach, nor is that influence so marked as to impeach their individuality of style. The list includes:—'Columbus,' a cantata; 'Odysseus,' a symphony; 'Deutsches Liederspiel,' for soli, chorus, and pianoforte; variations for two pianos, and a second set, op. 23, on a theme by Brahms; trio for piano and strings in C minor, op. 24; two trios for strings alone, op. 27; choral songs or volkslieder, op. 26, 28, 35; Psalm cxvi. for chorus, op. 34; sonata for pianoforte and violin in A, op. 32 (the only work by which, through the agency of Joachim, the composer's name has yet become known in England); trio in D minor for pianoforte and strings, op. 36; a second sonata for the same in E♭, op. 54; a sonata for pianoforte and violoncello, op. 52; organ fantasias on chorales, op. 39 and 46; three string quartets, op. 42; symphony in C minor, op. 50; piano pieces and duets, op. 25, 33, 37, 49, and 53; songs and vocal duets, op. 29–31, 38, 40, 41, 44, 45, 47, 48. His most recent works are 'Der Stern des Lied's,' for chorus and orchestra, op. 45; and 'Die Weihe der Nacht,' for the same with alto solo, op. 56. (Information from Dr. A. Dörffell, etc.)

[ M. ]