Hermann Goetz

Goetz studied piano with Kohler and then entered the University of Konigsberg to study mathematics and physics. He demonstrated a great cognizance and understnading of Classicl opera, particularly Mozart's. Next Goetz attended the Conservatory in Berlin where he studied with Bulow and Ulrich. After the debut of his Piano Concerto in Eb (1862) Reinecke commended him for the position of organist and choirmaster at Winterthur where he quickly distinguished himself as a pianist. Actively pursuing his musical interests, Goetz conducted oratorios and occasional operas. Ill of health Goetz composed his Symphony in E-mol, which was quite passionate filled with pathos and indicates that he was aware of his incurable disease. He went to Zurich for a better paid piano teaching position in 1869 yet remained organist on weekends in Winterthur until 1872 when Goetz's health completely subsided. Comic opera, clearly unlike Wagner, was a strength of some of Goetz's compositions. "Der Widerspenstigen Zahmung" was highly accepted by Frank and best illustrates Goetz's Wagnerian independence with the use of closed harmonies and stylings reminiscent of Mozart. "Francesca von Rimini" was an unfinished opera but like his completed works and his orchestral music, reveal poetic, energetic, sensitive, and refined music. ~ Keith Johnson