Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Abt, Franz

ABT, FRANZ, (apt), a German song writer; born in Saxony, Dec. 22, 1819. He studied theology at Leipsic, but abandoned it for music. In 1841 he became kapellmeister at the court theater at Bernburg; shortly afterward relinquishing the post for a similar one in Zurich, where he remained till 1852. In 1882 he retired to Wiesbaden. Many of his songs (for example, “When the Swallows Homeward Fly,” “Good Night, Thou Child of My Heart,” “O Ye Tears,” etc.), have endeared themselves to the heart of the people all over the world. He died March 31, 1885.

Source: Collier's New Encyclopedia 1. (1921) New York: P.F. Collier & Son Company. 12.