Dictionary of National Biography, 1912 supplement/Randegger, Alberto
RANDEGGER, ALBERTO (1832–1911), musician, born at Trieste on 13 April 1832, was son of a schoolmaster. The family name was derived from Randegg near Schaffhausen. His mother, a Tuscan lady, was an amateur musician, but the boy showed no musical taste till at the age of thirteen he played without preparation a tune with correct melody and harmonies. He was then placed under Tivoli, of Trieste Cathedral, and afterwards under Lafont, for pianoforte. He studied composition under Ricci. In 1852-4 he conducted at several theatres in Italy and Dalmatia, composed ballets, and collaborated in an opera buffa. His grand opera 'Bianca Capello' was produced at Brescia, with a success that brought him an offer to conduct it in America. On the way he was stopped by the news of the cholera outbreak at New York. On the invitation of his eldest brother he came to London for a visit in 1854, and decided to remain. He had never heard an oratorio, and the huge number of performers at an Exeter Hall performance daunted him, the strangeness of the style soon sending him to sleep. But on the advice of Sir Michael Costa he persevered, mastered the English language, and soon became known in London as a versatile musician equally capable as performer, conductor, and teacher. He took further lessons in composition in London from Bemhard Molique. In 1857 he conducted an opera season at St. James's Theatre. From 1859 to 1870 he was organist at St. Paul's, Regent's Park; on the Prince Consort's death he composed an anthem so impressive that the vicar preached no sermon, saying that any words would fail of their effect. Randegger was most successful as a teacher of singing, and in 1868 was appointed to the staff of the Royal Academy of Music. His compositions were distinguished by practical qualities, were always tasteful and externally effective, but had no deep originality, and soon fell into disuse. The principal were 'The Rival Beauties,' operetta (Leeds, 1864), and 'Fridolin,' cantata (Birmingham Festival, 1873); a trio, 'I Naviganti,' was much sung. For Novello's series of primers he wrote 'Singing,' which has had an exceptionally wide circulation. To the end of his life he remained an indefatigable worker, and attended the performance of new works, always taking a copy which he marked with all details of the rendering. He conducted the Carl Rosa company in English opera in 1880, and Italian opera for Sir Augustus Harris from 1887 to 1898, as well as many choral concerts. He introduced many important novelties, mainly English, at the Norwich Triennial Festivals, which he conducted from 1881 to 1905. He edited collections of classical airs, utilising his memoranda of Exeter Hall performances, thus continuing English musical traditions. Besides his extensive practice at the Royal Academy he also became in 1896 a teacher at the Royal College, sharing in the management of both institutions. He was much in request as an adjudicator in competitions, and would give his verdicts in well-chosen words, with practical advice that proved of value to the unsuccessful candidates. He was an honorary member of the Philharmonic Society of Madrid, and in 1892 the King of Italy raised him to the rank of Cavaliere.
He was still actively engaged, and a familiar figure at London musical functions, in 1911 when, after a short illness, he died at his residence, 5 Nottingham Place, W., on 18 Dec. A memorial service, attended by very many prominent musicians, was held at St. Pancras church by Canon Sheppard of the Chapel Royal on 21 Dec.; the remains were cremated at Golder's Green. He married in 1897 Louise Baldwin of Boston, U.S.A.
[Detailed account (with portrait) and many valuable reminiscences of older musicians in Musical Times, Oct. 1899; obituaries in Musical News, and Musical Standard, 23 Dec. 1911; Musical Times, and Musical Herald, Jan. 1912.]