Hermann Goetz

Hermann Gustav Goetz, born in Königsberg (now Kaliningrad) in 1840, was a German composer who made Switzerland his musical home. Despite his tragically short life, ending in 1876, Goetz left behind a notable legacy, most famously his 1872 opera "Der Widerspänstigen Zähmung," based on Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." His music, while sometimes compared to Schumann and Mendelssohn, carries its own unique charm. George Bernard Shaw even praised Goetz, placing him among the greats like Mozart and Beethoven. Beyond his opera, Goetz's works include the Piano Quintet in C Minor, Op. 16, and the Piano Quartet in E Major, Op. 6, showcasing his versatility and depth as a composer.