The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-04-23
THE OLD MUSICIAN.
Gotthardt's Career Which Death So Suddenly
Ended-His Resemblance to John Kelly.

Charles Gotthardt. the orchestra player who
died suddenly. Friday night, at English's
Opera-honss. was one of the best-known must
cians in the city, and was rather an interesting
character. He was native OF Mecklenburg,
Germany, where he served for seventeen years
regiment band-master in the German army.
He was in the war Of 1849. and even 10 the time
OF his death wore the cross obtained by him at
the conclusion OF that war for his services in be-
half Of the government. His varied experience
and extensive travel had given him fund OF
information concerning the German people and
country, and he could talk for hours of his army
life if one could first succeed IN di verting his
mind from music, in which bis mind was mostly
wrASpsd. He came to this country In January,
1871, and has ever since been q resident of this
city. He took = leading part In musical circles
almost from the day of his arrival being fine
musician and teacher. and capable Of playing on
almost any instrument For the past fifteen
years he has been member OF the City Band,
and has played steadily at the Grand Opera
house, where he has become familiar figure to
the majority of theater-goer& One OF the most
singular things in connection with him was the
remarkable resemblance he bore TO the late John
Kelly, famous as Tammany Halls greatest
leader. The resemblance is said to have been
so perfect that those who were well acquainted
with Kelly declared. after seeing Gotthardt.
that If they had met him on the street they
would have Immediately stopped 70 greet him.
In his place in the orchestra no readily attracted
attention by reason or this resom Dianc0. Many
a Thespian who had become familiar with John
Kelly's face, in New York city, would start back
in surprise upon seeing Gotthardts face in the
orchestra in front Of him at the Grand. He
was always called "John Kelly" Gotthardt was
very indignant when the name was first applied
to him, but upon being informed that Kelly
a great man" he was easily reconciled. Only
last week Will Carleton. of the Carleton Opera
Company. was heard to exclaim. .sWny. you've
got John Kelly playing in your orchestra"
Gotthardt was popular with the other must
clans In the city, and was always fond of their
society When demonstrated with recently, for
not abandoning work on account of his age, he
said: .'Oh, wouldn't be satisfied il I wasn't
out with the boys of an evening"
Many amusing incidents related Of the old
man. On one occasion opera the
boards at the Grand. and when the orchestra
tired as usual between acts, a young man
from one of the front seats leaned ovsr and
tuned down the ''dog-house,p as the
big base viol was called. Every string was
loosened, and the instruments several re-
moves from concord when the orchestra filed
in at the beginning OF the next act The cur
and the musicians began. The audience as well
the violinist discovered what had been done
at the first "raspn upon the base VOL. Mr.
Gotthardt, at least, did not join in the laugh
which followed the disclosure
He refused many offers to accompany visiting
musical companies as member of the orches-
ira. He was well-liked by the local musicians
who held meeting yesterday afternoon in
MBnnerchor Hail. to prepare for attending his
funeral, which occurs tomorrow morning from
the family residence. No. 466 South Missouri
street. The deceased left three married daugh-
ters and son. who is the leader of band in
Harley Wis.