A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Musik, Königliche Hochschule für

by William Barclay Squire

MUSIK, KÖNIGLICHE HOCHSCHULE FÜR. The Royal High School for Music at Berlin was established in its present form in 1875, on the reorganisation of the Royal Academy of Arts. It was formed by the amalgamation of two distinct bodies. The first of these, which constitutes the 'Abtheilung für musikalische Composition' of the present School, was founded in March 1833. In 1869 the 'Abtheilung für Ausübende Tonkunst' (consisting only of Instrumental classes for violin, violoncello, and piano) was added under the direction of Professor Joachim. In 1871 an Organ class, in 1872 classes for Brass Instruments, Double Bass, and Solo Vocalists, and in 1873 a Choral class were added; and in 1874 a full chorus was organised. The High School thus consists of two departments. The first of these is devoted solely to instruction in Composition. There are four Professors, and the number of pupils in the summer term of 1878 (the report for which is the last issued) was 18. The second department is devoted to executive music, and is under the direction of Professor Joachim. There are 36 professors, and instruction is given in the violin, violoncello, quartet playing, pianoforte (both as a principal and a secondary subject), playing from score, organ, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, ensemble playing, solo playing with orchestral accompaniment, orchestral playing, solo singing, part singing, choral singing, training choruses, theory of vocal instruction, declamation and acting, Italian, pianoforte (with regard to vocal music), theory, and history. The number of pupils in the summer term of 1878 was 208. This division receives from the State a grant of 149,868 marks (£7493). The receipts are estimated at 41,760 marks (£2088), so that the institution costs the State about £5400. One fifth of the number of pupils receive free instruction, awarded according to progress or talent, and a yearly sum of 1200 marks is devoted to the assistance of needy and deserving pupils. The orchestra consists of 70 or 80 performers, amongst whom are 10 professional leaders, each with a salary of 600 marks (£30). Since 1872 the pupils of the High School have given three or four public concerts every year, and since 1876 semi-public concerts and occasional dramatic and operatic performances have been given by the pupils twice a month.—The Royal Institution for Church Music, although unconnected with the High School for Music, may be noticed here. This Institution was founded in 1822, and was placed under the direction of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1875, since when the Director of the Institution is a member of the Senate of the Academy. The Institution is devoted to the education of organists, cantors, and music masters for high-grade schools and seminaries. There are four professors, giving instruction in the organ, pianoforte, violin, singing, harmony, counterpoint and form, organ construction, and criticism of exercises. The average number of pupils is 70.

[ W. B. S. ]