Joachim Andersen

A fascinating, influential musician of the late nineteenth century, Joachim Andersen was the founding principal flutist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, a renowned virtuoso and composer of flute music, and a leader in Scandinavian musical life. Every flutist plays his etudes, but few know anything about his intriguing life, his role as an entrepreneur, or his music beyond the devilishly difficult studies. This book is the definitive resource for Andersen's life and music and brings together his story--told through accounts of the founding of the Berlin Philharmonic and the development of musical life in Denmark at the turn of the twentieth century--with a well-crafted study of his compositions. Authors Kyle Dzapo, András Adorján, and William Wilsen track the intriguing life of Andersen, who rose to fame as a founding member of the Berlin Philharmonic in 1882. He was selected as soloist for the orchestra's inaugural concert and remained its favourite virtuoso for many years, while also serving as assistant conductor during its first decade. The book recounts how a mysterious tongue malady forced the end of his flute-playing career, causing Andersen to return to Copenhagen. There, he became a strong-willed, controversial, entrepreneurial conductor who worked indefatigably to advance the musical life of his native city. As a champion of challenging music, Andersen was the first conductor in Denmark to follow the example of Hans von Bülow and direct his attention to the musicians, thereby turning his back to the audience. Because of this chance, he became an enigma to them and the target of Danish cartoonists. The authors also interweave accounts of an equally compelling figure, his brother Vigo. A virtuoso flutist and strikingly handsome showman, Vigo immigrated to America, performed as soloist and member of Gilmore's Band, and then became founding principal flutist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a position he held until his suicide in January 1895. Delving into never-published biographical material gleaned from thirty years of research, this book offers a full portrait of Joachim Andersen alongside a comprehensive thematic catalogue of his compositions and a revealing study of his etudes and other compositions.