A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Taubert, Karl
TAUBERT, Karl Gottfried Wilhelm, one of those sound and cultivated artists who contribute so much to the solid musical reputation of Germany. He was the son of a musician, and was born at Berlin March 23, 1811. Though not actually brought up with Mendelssohn he trod to a certain extent in the same steps, learned the piano from Ludwig Berger, and composition from Klein, and went through his course at the Berlin University 1827–30. He first appeared as a PF. player; in 1831 was made accompanyist to the Court concerts, and from that time his rise was steady. In 1834 he was elected member of the Academy of Arts, in 1841 became music-director of the Royal Opera, and in 1845 Court Kapellmeister—a position which he held till his retirement from the Opera in 1869 with the title of Oberkapellmeister. Since that time he has conducted the royal orchestra at the Court concerts and soirées, in which he has distinguished himself as much by very admirable performances as by the rigid conservatism which has governed the programmes. In 1875 he was chosen member of council of the musical section of the Academy. Among his first compositions were various small instrumental pieces, and especially sets of songs. The songs attracted the notice of Mendelssohn, and not only drew from him very warm praise and anticipation of future success (see the letter to Devrient, July 15, 1831), but led to a correspondence, including Mendelssohn's long letter of Aug. 27, 1831. In these letters Mendelssohn seems to have put his finger on the want of strength and spirit which, with all his real musicianlike qualities, his refined taste and immense industry, has prevented Taubert from writing anything that will be remembered.
The list of his published works is an enormous one: 3 Psalms and a Vater unser; 7 Operas, of which the last, 'Macbeth,' was produced Nov. 16, 1857; Incidental music to 8 dramas, including 'The Tempest' (Nov. 28, 1855); 4 Cantatas; 294 Solo-songs, in 52 nos., besides Duets and Part-songs; 3 Symphonies and a Festival-overture for full orchestra; 2 Trios for PF. and strings; 3 String-quartets; 6 Sonatas for PF. and violin; 6 Sonatas for PF. solo; and a host of smaller pieces. The complete catalogue, with full details of Taubert's career, will be found in Ledebur's 'Tonkünstler-Lexicon Berlins.'
In this country Taubert is almost unknown.[ G. ]