New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-09-19
ADOLF HENSELT DYING.
CAREER OF THE GREAT PIANIST.

It Is announced that the noted pianist and composer
Adolf Hensc lies at the point OF death In his pretty
villa at Narmbrunn, in Schlesian, Germany. Some
two months he from st. Petersburg, usual,
to pass his three months holidays with his Wife, who
unable to stand the Russian climate has for years
been living at Warmbunn, pretty watering place
situated very pleasantly at the foot of the Rescnge
birge. But this year he was ailng when he arrived
and the physicians that called shook their heads
his weakness increased and 1t Is feared
that in few days his Illness will
prove fatal. Herr Henselt is not generally so well
known personality HIS great friend List because.
unlike the latter he greatly dlsked playing in public.
The ideal which he strove to attain such a high
that he hardly was satisfied with his rendering
Of any piece. and therefore he would rarely let him
self be heard-eXcept by those few who Joined him at
Wambrunn every to work with him and
learn Of him.
Adolf Henset born in 1914, IN Bavaria. and
became a pupil Of Hummcs But soon he surpassed
Hummel and then was his own master. Like List,
he was a master OF the romantic school; he
perfect lover of melody lie only gave four concerts;
three I'm Germany the fourth and last I'm St. Peters
burg, at the age of twenty-four. The whole of tho
Imperial court Russia present this occasion,
and the next day he was appointed court pianist TO
the Empress. soon after he made Director Of the
" High Schools OF Music for Young NOblcwOmen at
ST. Petersburg, Moscow, cic., post which be has
he spent In Russia, the remaining three with his wife,
as already mentioned. A few days before coming
South he would write to his young friends, who en-
ioyed the privilege Of being his pupils, though he
never called them With characteristic pride ana
generosity he would accept emOlumcnt from any
Of the students who came 10 work with him at Warm
brunn he would not give them lessons but merely his
good advice" Four or five the highest number
that came at time. Whenever ore of these had
seance Of good advice the other lelow-dlscipes were
all plescnt % profit as much they could If the
eXccutant al the instrument played badly or lacked eA
uressi0n Ucnsct would unceIcmOniOusy push him or
her from OF the music stool and play the piece hscIl
a. il ought to be played. Frequently he would men
forget where he and play piece after piece
of a massage, fancying he could not play When inc
pupl played WELL Hcnset would walk up and down
The room his eyes flashing with delight often he wonm
tmcOnsciou-y give vent 10 his enthusiasm by singing
aloud the melody that being played, with most
mmcOdious voice Though very kind, he was eN,
ceedingly strict with his pupils and had no regard
for rank or person. on one occasion when a YOUNG
Grand Duchess OF Russia To have her musc-les-
son he found that she had been idle and HAD not
practised; he seized her music throw IL fuHonsy on
the floor and marched away. telling her that when sho
knew her piece she might send for him again. lhe
whole Russian court delighted with this shO" OIL
spirit. - ,us
This summer he wrote 10 his two faVorite pupus
q meet him at Warmbrunn, but when they came thtS
soo saw IL was to the last Of their beloved master
still he had his piano moved TO his room. and when
his suferings allow It. these two have 10 play 10 MN
and receive his good advice"