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Carl WolfsohnAmerican pianist and music teacher of German origin.
Date of Birth: 14.12.1834
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Career in Europe and London
- Life and Work in Chicago
- Notable Performances and Compositions
- Collaborations and Influence
Early Life and Education
Wilhelm Wolfsohn was born in Germany and studied piano in Frankfurt with Aloys Schmitt from 1846 to 1848. He made his public debut as a pianist in December 1848, performing Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Quintet for Piano and Wind Instruments.
Career in Europe and London
Wolfsohn continued his studies in Mannheim with Vincenz Lachner. In 1851, he accompanied violinist Teresa Milanollo on her concert tour of Bavaria. He spent the years 1852-1854 in London.
Life and Work in Chicago
In 1854, Wolfsohn moved to Chicago, where he remained for the rest of his life. In 1873, he founded the Beethoven Society, a large mixed chorus that became a prominent musical organization in Chicago. Wolfsohn directed the society for twelve years.
Notable Performances and Compositions
Wolfsohn is believed to have been one of the first pianists in the world to present concert series dedicated to a single composer. In the early 1860s, he performed a cycle of concerts featuring the music of Frédéric Chopin. In 1873, he performed all of Beethoven's piano sonatas.
At the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861, Wolfsohn composed the music for Douglas Brewerton's poem "May God Save the Union." The song became a popular anthem for the Union army. Wolfsohn also wrote songs, piano pieces, and piano transcriptions of arias from operas, including Faust.
Collaborations and Influence
Wolfsohn was a close friend of Theodore Thomas and supported the creation of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, both financially and artistically. Among his students were Alfredo Barili, Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler, and Augusta Kotlou. Through his teaching and musical activities, Wolfsohn made significant contributions to the musical landscape of Chicago and beyond.
