A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Kretschmer, Edmund

KRETSCHMER, Edmund, organist and dramatic composer, born Aug. 31, 1830, at Ostritz in Saxony, where his father the Rector of the school, gave him his early musical education; studied composition under Julius Otto, and the organ under Johann Schneider at Dresden, where he became organist of the Catholic church in 1854 and to the court in 63. He founded several 'Gesangvereine,' and in 65 his composition, 'Die Geisterschlacht,' gained the prize at the first German 'Sängerfest' in Dresden. Three years later he took another prize in Brussels for a mass. His opera 'Die Folkunger,' in 5 acts, libretto by Mosenthal, was produced at Dresden June 1875. It was well received and had a considerable run, but has since disappeared; nor does 'Heinrich der Loewe,' to his own libretto, appear likely to meet with more permanent success. The music is correct and shows both taste and talent, but no invention or dramatic power. His vocal part-writing has little life; and his duets, terzets, finales, etc., are too much like part-songs. [App. p693 "'Heinrich der Löwe' was produced at Leipzig in 1877, and another opera, 'Der Flüchtling' at Ulm in 1881. His most recent production is 'Schön Rohtraut,' an opera in 4 acts, produced at Dresden Nov. 5, 1887. 'Sieg im Gesang,' a cantata, was lately performed at Dresden."]

[ F. G. ]