A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Kéler Béla

by George Grove

KÉLER BÉLA, whose real name is Albert von Kéler, was born at Bartfeld in Hungary, Feb. 13, 1820. After attempting both the law and farming he settled himself to music, and in 1845 began regular study at Vienna under Schlesinger and Sechter, playing the fiddle in the band of the Theater-an-der-Wien at the same time. May 7, 1854 he took the command of Gung'l's band in Berlin, and began his career as conductor, solo-player, and composer. After a few months in Berlin he returned to Vienna, and succeeded to Lanner's position at the head of that celebrated band. This again he left before long for an infantry regiment. As bandmaster to the latter he was called to Wiesbaden in 1863, and in 70 became Kapellmeister of the Kur orchestra there, a post which he resigned from ill health in 1872. He still resides in Wiesbaden, and celebrated his silver anniversary on May 7, 79. [App. p.689 "Add date of death, Nov. 20, 1882."] His works, which have reached op. 130, consist of overtures, dance music, and pieces for solo violin, all distinguished for showy brilliant style and clever orchestration. Among the most popular are his Hofnungssterne waltz, Hurrah-Sturm galop, and Friedrich-Karl march.

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