A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Grützmacher, Friedrich
GRÜTZMACHER, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig, a distinguished violoncellist of our day, son of a musician, born at Dessau, March 1, 1832. His musical faculty showed itself very early, and he was thoroughly instructed in theory by F. Schneider, and in the cello by Drechsler. In 1848 he went to Leipsic, where he at once attracted the notice of David, and in 1849, when only 17, became first cello and solo player at the Gewandhaus, and a teacher in the Conservatorium. In 60 he was called to Dresden, where he still resides as 'Kammer-Virtuos' to the King of Saxony. He has visited most of the northern capitals of Europe, and was in England in 67 and 68, playing at the Philharmonic (May 20, 1867), Musical Union, and Crystal Palace. His compositions embrace orchestral and chamber pieces, songs, etc., besides concertos and other compositions for the cello. His exercises and studies are specially valuable ('Tägliche Uebungen' and 'Technologic des Violoncellspiels,' used in the Leipsic Conservatorium). We are also indebted to him for many careful editions of standard works (Beethoven's Sonatas for Pianoforte and Cello, Romberg's Concertos, Boccherini's Sonatas, etc., etc.), and for the revival of some forgotten works of considerable interest. As a player he has an extraordinary command of difficulties, and his style is remarkable alike for vigour, point, and delicacy. As a teacher he is greatly and deservedly esteemed, and has formed a number of fine players of all the nations of Europe. Amongst them his brother Leopold, born Sept. 4, 1835, and now (78) first cello in j the Duke of Meiningen's band, is one of the most remarkable.
[ T. P. H. ]