Fürstner

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Fürstner. Ger. firm of music publishers. Founded Berlin 1868 by Adolph Fürstner (b Berlin, 1833; d Bad Nauheim, 1908), who was head clerk of Bote & Bock before launching his own firm. In 1872 bought Dresden firm of Meser, thereby acquiring Wagner's Rienzi, Der fliegende Holländer, and Tannhäuser and some works by Liszt. Later acquired Massenet operas and Leoncavallo's Pagliacci. In 1900 put Richard Strauss under contract and thereby became publisher of Salome. Succeeded by son Otto (b Berlin, 1886; d London, 1958) who pubd. Strauss operas from Elektra to Arabella, Pfitzner's Palestrina, and light salon mus. Left Ger. 1933 and settled in Eng. where he formed Fürstner Ltd. Leased Ger. publishing rights to Oertel. Succeeded by his widow Ursula, who in 1970 acquired the rights of Fürstner Ltd. Firm now known as Fürstner London.