Herzogenberg, Heinrich Freiherr von

composer

born: 10.06.1843 in Graz

died: 09.10.1900 in Wiesbaden

The descendant of French aristocrats initially studied law, political science and philosophy in Vienna, but then became a composition student of Otto Dessoff (1835-1892) at the Vienna Conservatory from 1862-64, graduating with honors.

It was during this time that he made the acquaintance of Johannes Brahms, which was decisive for his artistic career, and moved to Graz and later to Leipzig. Here he founded the Bach Society together with Philipp Spitta (1841-1894) in 1874, which he directed from 1875. In 1885, he was appointed Professor of Composition at the Royal Academy of Music in Berlin. Suffering from severe arthritis, he had to resign from all posts as early as 1887. In January 1890, he was elected a full member of the Academy of Arts. In November 1898, another attack of arthritis forced him to retire for good.

Herzogenberg moved into an apartment in Wiesbaden in the spring of 1900, but died soon afterwards. He was buried in the North Cemetery. His grave with the tomb created by Adolf von Hildebrand (1847-1921) is preserved on one of the main paths.

In addition to two symphonies, piano and chamber music works, Herzogenberg's musical oeuvre primarily includes a large amount of sacred choral music (cantatas, motets, liturgical songs and "church oratorios") for Protestant services, which has received increased attention in recent years. His correspondence with Johannes Brahms is also well received in musicology.