Gericke, Wilhelm

views updated

Gericke, Wilhelm

Gericke, Wilhelm, noted Austrian conductor; b. Schwanberg, April 18, 1845; d. Vienna, Oct. 27, 1925. He studied with Dessoff at the Vienna Cons. (1862–65). After a number of engagements as guest conductor in provincial theaters, he became conductor of the municipal theater in Linz. In 1874 he joined the staff of the Vienna Court Opera as an asst. conductor. In 1880 he took charge of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde concerts, and also led the Singverein. From 1884 to 1889 he was conductor of the Boston Sym. Orch. Returning to Vienna, he once again served as conductor of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde concerts (1890–95). He was called again to America in 1898 to lead the Boston Sym. Orch., conducting its concerts until 1906; then returned to Vienna. Gericke did much to make it a fine ensemble, for he was a remarkably able conductor and a highly efficient drillmaster.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire

More From encyclopedia.com