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Ivan ZeifertRussian cellist and music teacher
Date of Birth: 26.05.1833
Country:  Czech |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Concert Tours and St. Petersburg
- Pedagogical Career
- Non-Professional Students
- Musical Contributions
Early Life and Education
Karel Davydovich Seifert was a Russian cellist and music педагог of Czech origin. Born in Prague, the son of a regent of the Prague Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul on the Vyšehrad, Seifert exhibited a passion for music from a young age. He enrolled in the Prague Conservatory in 1852, where he studied under Anton Trega.
Concert Tours and St. Petersburg
Following his graduation, Seifert embarked on a series of concert tours in Dresden and Breslau. In 1853, he relocated to St. Petersburg, where he would spend the majority of his career. From 1853 to 1889, he performed as a cellist in the orchestra of the Imperial St. Petersburg Theaters. Concurrently, he joined a prominent Russian quartet, further establishing his reputation.
Pedagogical Career
In 1862, Seifert joined the faculty of the newly founded St. Petersburg Conservatory. Initially serving as an assistant to Karl Davydov, he later became a professor in 1890. Seifert remained at the conservatory until 1911, when he retired and returned to the Czech Republic. Throughout his tenure, he nurtured the talents of numerous gifted musicians, including cellist Semyon Kozolupov.
Non-Professional Students
Beyond his work at the conservatory, Seifert also imparted his knowledge to non-professional musicians. Notably, he provided music instruction to Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich and guided the amateur cellist S. P. Botkin.
Musical Contributions
Seifert made significant contributions to the cello repertoire. He skillfully transcribed works by Schumann, Rubinstein, and Tchaikovsky for the instrument. Additionally, he composed original pieces for the cello, enriching the repertoire for cellists.
