Hesse, Adolf Friedrich

1809-1863

Great organist and composer; born at Breslau; the son of an organbuilder. He studied piano, organ and composition with Berner, E. Kohler and Hummel. Went to Berlin, Leipzic, Hamburg and Weimar, where he played his own and other compositions. Met Ruick and Spohr, under whose influence he composed most of his best works. In 1831 he was appointed organist of the Church of the Bernhardins, Breslau, and held the post as long as he lived. Hesse was given the title of The Mozart of the organ. He astounded Paris in 1844 by his unique pedal-playing, and appeared in London in 1851, where he met with great success. His best works are the Hymn Book for Silesia, preludes, fugues, studies and fantasias for the organ. One of his wellknown variations is on God Save the King. His compositions for organ have been edited by Steggall and published by Boosey. He died in Breslau in 1863.