Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-03-12
JOSEF KASPAR.

Probably no man has done more to pro-
mote musical culture in this city and to en-
large its scope than Josef Kaspar. Al
| solo violinist he was first known here, then az
leader of the orchestra at Ford's Theater, then
as conductor of the Wilhelmj Club and as
conductor Of the Georgetown Orchestra.
He Is musician by tradition, the Bo-
nativity, being renowned for their musical pro-
cliyiries. The anti-Bohemian Germans, IN
speaking OF them. relate this anecdotes: When
a child is born in Bohemia a violin is laid on
one side of the babe and purse on the other.
III the child reaches for the violin il will be q
musician but If it reaches for the money it
will be thief. Josef Kaspar was born in
Nadej Zoo, Bohemia, in 1858 and is consequently
now about tEirty-four years of age. When he
was six years old his parents came to this coun-
try and settled in Baltimore, where young
kaspar, who must have reached for the violin
in bis infancy, for he early developed
decided musical proclivities, studied with
Gustave Rose, graduate OF the Brussels con-
servatory. In his sixteenth year he returned
to Europe and entered the Conservatory Of
Music at Prague, where he became the pupil of
Anton Beneivitz, one Of the few great peda-
gogues in the art of violin playing. After
three years of hard study q. Pragus Mr.. Kas-
par. in order to perfectly acquai1t himself
with the French method, went to Paris and
placed himself under the instruction of Emile
the greatest opponents of the French school,
and remained with him until his return to
America in 1878
His nrst appearance in America was with the
Peabody symphony Orchestra of Baltimore. IN
der the leadership OF August Hamerick, and it
was with that organization that ne first visited
this city in 1879, as solo violinist. He was SO
much pleased with Washington that he decided
to make il his home and brought here hisyoung
wife. for he mad early fallen in love With the at
tractive Miss Annie Roemer, young Baltimore
singer. who had gained quite a reputation, and
after brief courtship they were married.
Mr.. Kaspar came to this city and assumed the
conduct of the orchestra at Ford's and also be-
gan to teach the violin. He frequently sp-
peared in concerts as solo violinIst and his
playing was marked by a finish, keen musical
intelligence and holiness of execution that
always won warm praise. About five years
ago, however, he found he had no time
to devote to the practice necessary for
a public performer and since then he has
only appeared on the stage as q conductor
For this position he is eminently fitted both
from natural mental vigor and from careful
study. Besides he has that magnetic enthusi-
asm that communicates itself to the force under
his direction and inspires each to do his best
work.
In 1856 Prof. Kaspar organized the Wilhelmj
Club and has had entire control over its MEM
bers. 1t is well known to this community both
from the work it has done as a distinct organi-
zaflon aud from its appearance irsconjunction
with the Georgetown Orchestra 1t is a model
string orchestra. He first appeared as the con-
ductor of the Georgetown Orchestra December
%. 1856, and from that time dates the rapid
He is proud of the wiihelmj Club and of the
Georgetown Orchestra, both of which he asserts
are superior to any similar amateur organize
tions in the country.