Eichberg, Julius

1824-1893

German violinist and composer, born at Dusseldorf, showed musical talent early and was taught the violin by his father. He began regular study with professors at the age of eight, Rietz being his teacher in harmony. He studied in the Brussels Conservatory from 1843 to 1845, graduating with high honors in composition and violin-playing, and the next year was appointed professor of these two subjects in the Conservatory at Geneva. Eleven years afterward, he came to America, going first to New York; but in 1859 he removed to Boston, where he became director of the Museum concerts, and founded later the Boston Conservatory, for which he at once set the high standard it has since maintained. As a teacher of violin, Eichberg had a national reputation, a number of his pupils being successful concert players. His influence on violin music has been strong, and among his compositions an American national hymn attests his loyalty to the land of his adoption. He also published collections of studies and works on teaching which embody the principles of a distinct violin school; and also prepared exercises and studies for the voice, in connection with his work as superintendent of public school music in Boston. He also produced several operettas in the English language; The Doctor of Alcantara being the one best known.