Max Wilhelm Karl Vogrich

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Max W. K. Vogrich (b. January 24, 1852, Szeben, Austria; d. June 10, 1916, New York, NY) was a composer and pianist. Throughout his career, he performed in Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Australia. His compositions ranged from operas, symphonies, and concerti for violin and piano to anthems and songs. Vogrich performed in New York at Steinway Hall and socialized with William, including being active with him at times at the Liederkranz.

Max Vogrich was a composer and pianist from Austria who had been an "infant prodigy."(3) He was initially trained by his father and made his public debut at the age of seven. From 1866-1869, while at the Leipzig Conservatory, he studied piano with Wenzel and Moscheles, composition with Reinecke, and music theory with Hauptmann and Richter.(5)(6)(7) He toured much of the world from 1870 to 1878, returning to New York in 1878. Over the following decade, William mentions in the diary social events with Vogrich and joint activities at the Liederkranz.(Diary, 1879-04-03, 1880-05-18) Vogrich also performed at Steinway Hall.(4)

Vogrich toured Australia from 1882 to 1886, returned to Europe, and then in 1900 arrived again in New York, where he lived until 1902.(1)(7) While in New York, Vogrich again engaged in musical activities with William.(Diary, 1888-01-24) From 1902 to 1908 Vogrich was in Weimar, after which he moved to London.(5) In 1914, he again returned to New York, where he remained until his death on June 10, 1916. (2)(3)

Among his extensive works are operas: Vanda (1875), King Arthur (1893),and Der Buddha (1904); oratorio: The Captivity (1884); cantatas: The Driver, The Young King and the Shepherdess; Missa Solemnis; 12 concert studies for piano, two symphonies; Album of Ancient and Modern Dances; concerti for piano and violin. He also edited all of the piano works of Schumann.(5)(7) Vogrich considered Der Buddha to be a "big opera, as big as the Wagner operas."(1)

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  1. "Composer of 'Budda' Here," The New York Times, May 2, 1900, p. 9.
  2. "Max Vogrich, Composer, Very Ill," The New York Times, June 4, 1916, p. 21.
  3. "Max Vogrich Dead," The New York Times, June 11, 1916, p. 21.
  4. "Record of Amusements," The New York Times, March 12, 1879, p. 5.
  5. "Vogrich, Max (Wilhelm Karl)," Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians, Nicolas Slonimsky, ed., 6th ed. Schirmer Books, 1978, p. 1823.
  6. "Vogich, Max Wilhelm Karl," Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians, vol. 5, 1941, pp. 566-567.
  7. "Vogrich, Max Wilhelm Karl," International Cyclopedia of Music and Musicians, 6th ed. 1943, p. 1991.