A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Nicodé, Jean-Louis

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1723285A Dictionary of Music and Musicians — Nicodé, Jean-Louis


NICODE, Jean-Louis, a pianist and composer of Polish birth, well known in Germany. He was born at Jerczik near Posen, in 1853, was brought at an early age to Berlin by his father, an amateur of music, who, after losing his property, earned a living by his violin playing. Jean-Louis received musical instruction in Berlin, resided there for some years as a teacher and executant, and was offered in 1879 a professorship at the Dresden Conservatoire. Nicodé held this post until 1885. In the meantime he had won a reputation by his compositions; and on coming forward as conductor of orchestral concerts was accorded by the public and the press hearty support and sympathy, which increased when his talent for conducting became evident. Under Nicodé, virtuosi of the first rank are heard in Dresden, in conjunction with the band of the Gewerbehaus, at the Subscription—or, as they have come to be called, the Philharmonic—Concerts; whereas the excellent though infrequent concert performances of the Court Orchestra did not admit of the introduction of the solo element.

Amongst Nicodé's compositions for orchestra are 'Introduction and Scherzo,' op. 11, 'Maria Stuart,' Symphonic poem, Suite in B minor, op. 17, 'Die Jagd nach dem Glück,' and Symphonic Variations, op. 27; 'Das Meer' for orch. and male chorus; 'Bilder aus dem Süden' (op. 28) and other pieces for PF.; also music for cello, violin, and solo voice (B. & H.).