Gericke, Wilhelm

1845-

Eminent conductor; was born at Graz, Styria, and studied composition under Dessoff at the Vienna Conservatory from 1862 to 1865, during which time a number of his works were written. In 1865 he became director of the theatre at Linz; in 1874 second conductor of the Court Opera at Vienna, Hans Richter being chief conductor. In 1880 he succeeded Brahms as conductor of the Concert Society, which stood foremost in that city for the production of large choral works, and he also conducted the Singers' Union. In 1884 he gave up this work to come to America, accepting the position of conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, in which he undertook the difficult but needed reform of replacing a number of old musicians,   formerly prominent in the city's musical life, who were holding their posts in the orchestra principally through courtesy, with younger musicians from Europe. That he accomplished this successfully and built up an orchestra in which perhaps fewer changes were later made than in any other in the world during a period of twenty years or more, is proof that Gericke possessed wonderful tact, judgment and executive ability. These qualities, combined with musical insight and tireless energy, have made the Boston Symphony Orchestra his debtor for its international position and comparative financial independence. For five years Gericke remained at the head of this organization; at the end of which time he returned to Germany and resumed the leadership of the Concert Society in Vienna, which he conducted until 1895. Then followed a period of three years' freedom from professional activities, and in 1898 Gericke was again engaged to conduct the Boston Symphony Orchestra. For eight years longer Gericke directed the body of musicians which he had brought to its present perfection of ensemble; then, in the season of 1905 and 1906 resigned his post, and in the latter year returned to Vienna, where he now lives.

Gericke is said to have forwarded the cause of music in America more than any other one man, with the possible exception of Theodore Thomas. Elson speaks of him as the finest drillmaster among conductors. His reputation has been chiefly attained through his direction of choral and orchestral works, although he is also efficient in opera. His reading of scores is considered remarkable. A short time before his first departure for America he was chosen an honorary member of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde (Association of Musical Friends), a rare mark of distinction in Germany. He has also a number of compositions to his credit, as follows: An operetta, Schon Hannchen; a requiem; concert-overture for orchestra; a septet; a string quartet; two sonatas for violin and piano; two piano sonatas; quintet for piano and strings; trio for piano, violin and violoncello; three movements of a suite for orchestra; Huldigungschot; three sonata movements by Bach, scored for orchestra; additional accompaniments to Handel's Judas Maccabaeus, and to an anthem; and over one hundred songs and choruses.

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