The morning call., 1893-09-10
MASTER OF MUSIC.
Arrival of CheValier de
kOntski.
COMPOSER TO THE EMPEROR
A Famous German Pianist Who Has
Associated With the Great Ar.
lists of the Age.

One OF the greatest pianists and musical
composers OF the age arrived in this city
last evening and is now a guest at the
Palace Hotel. He is Chevalier de Kontski.
court pianist and composer to the Emperor
of Germany.
To those who are familiar with the list
OF great composers and musicians the
name of Chevaler Kontski has been for
many years well known, not alone in this
country but throughout the civilized world.
Some idea of his worldwide popularity
may be gathered from the fact that 376 of
his compositions have been published in
the United States and are familiar to all
lovers Of classical music. His most noted
work. perhaps, is "The Awakening of the
Lion" piece arranged for military bands.
1t has, for years. been played by bands
in every city of n ote in the world and has
always been a favorite number in the
repertoire of our Golden Gate Park band.
Besides the title of Chevalier, Herr
Kontski has the title of Marquis. He has
three crosses and other minor decorations
without number. He is an honorary
member of the musical academies of
Rome, Vienna, Paris, Munich, ST. Peters
burg. Stuttgart and Berlin.
There is nothing about the personal ap-
pearaDce of the great composer that
would give one, ignorant of his identity,
any suggestion tnat he was in any way
a remarkable man. He is short and slight
IN stature and his long gray mustache and
imperial give him the appearance of a
Frenchman. sAee
This impression is still height by his
quick, nervous movements, bright eyes
and peculiar shrug of the shoulders. In
this instance. however. appearances are
deceptive. for the Chevalier was born in
Germany II years ago, and though great
traveller has for the greater part of his life
resided In the land of his nativity. He has
studied under and been associated with the
greatest musical composers the world has
known for three generations. and there is
probably no other man alive to-day who
can claim as his friends so many of the old
masters Of music.
Since 1880 he has been the court pianist
and composer to the Emperor of Germany,
and dur ng lat time three different empe-
roTs have occupied the German throne.
The musical studies of Chevalier de
K ntski were completed unuer the tutelege
OF Field, Weber and Beethoven, names as
familiar in musical history as are those of
Caesar and Napoleon In the history of
nations. He has been com pauion sue
cessively to Thalberg. Chopin and List,
and his personal acQuaintances and
friends among the greatest musical CON-
posers of the age are mum bered by scores.
Chevalier de kontski has composed three
operas: "Distrait," in two acts; Mar
celles." in three acts, and "The Sultan Of
Zanzibar.' in three acts. This last was
composed in New York City during the
present visit of the Cnevaliar to this couu-
try. Ii was presented in the metropolis
with great success, and the author was
rendered an ovation such as few musical
composers are favored with Since leaving
New York the Chevalier has visited the
Worlds Fair at Chicago, aud there listened
TO the recital of some OF his greatest COM
positions by the great choruses that have
been feature of the musical programme
at the fair.
There. as in New York, the composer
was given an ovation by his disciples and
admirers, and they include abOut all of the
students of this most pleasing of the fine
arts.
81 am now on my way to JAPAN" said
Chevalier de Kontski last night, "and
shall probably spend the winter there.
My wife is travelling with me. Since /
have been in this country l have received
the most pleasing recognition. and it has
touched my heart. / find that your mu-
slcians are all familiar with my work and
my music, and If l am to believe their
assurances they find pleasure In meeting
personally one who has made music for
the worl1.
w Il VI gOuI uuelC duu
your musicians ?" continued the Chevalier
in response to a query. Il find your peO-
pie appreciative and in the possession of
an ability 10 catch hold OF AL that is fines.
and best In the art of music; but the one
great trouble. as il appears to NE, has been
tie lack of teachers. Your nation is a
musical one, but 1t is like a child-it must
have proper instruction and instructors. or
the God-glven gift can never be perfected.
w hlle was in New York your greatest
musicians came to me ana asked me to
give them lessons.
II say this not with any intent to praise
my own knowledge or prowess. fof I am
an old man. and my reputation, such as it
is. is already made, but to show you that
your musicians understand and appreciate
the lack of proper tutelage. You have a
great country, and you are great people,
and some day you will have among you
great musicians"
% 9Chevalier de Kontski and wife will re-
main in this city until Tuesday, when they
VIII sail on the steamship China for
Hong Kong.