Hellmesberger, Joseph jr.

1855-

Another member of the famous Hellmesberger family, son of Joseph, senior. Born in Vienna. Was noted as violinist and dramatic composer. Played second violin in his father's quartet from 1875 and succeeded him as leader in 1887. In 1878 he became solo violinist in the Imperial and in the Opera orchestras and professor at the Conservatory. He was chorusmaster at the Opera Comique and at the Karltheatre; conductor of the ballet-music and leader at Court opera in 1884. Six of his operettas were produced between 1880 and 1890 at Vienna, Munich and Hamburg. They are Capitan Ahlstrom; Der Graf von Gleichen; Der schone Kurfürst Rikiki; Das Orakel and Der bleiche Cast. He was also a successful composer of many ballets.