Heinrich von Herzogenberg

Heinrich von Herzogenberg, born into Austrian nobility in 1843, was a composer whose life was as rich and layered as his music. Initially pursuing studies in law and philosophy in Vienna, he later turned his passion towards composition, studying at the city's prestigious Konservatorium. Von Herzogenberg's music is a testament to his deep connection with the Romantic era, with a particular focus on choral works and chamber music. His oratorio "Die Geburt Christi," premiered in 1894, stands as one of his most notable works, showcasing his mastery of large-scale composition.

Von Herzogenberg's personal life was equally fascinating. He married Elisabeth von Stockhausen in 1868, and the couple became part of the intimate circle of friends around Johannes Brahms. His summers were often spent in the Swiss Alps, where he built the mysterious "Abendroth" house in the Appenzell village of Heiden, serving as his second home and a source of inspiration. Von Herzogenberg's legacy endures not just through his compositions, but also through his influence as a professor of composition, passing on his musical knowledge to the next generation. His life and work paint a vivid picture of a man deeply immersed in the artistic and intellectual ferment of his time.