Hey, Julius

1832-

Teacher of singing. Born in Lower Franconia. He at first began the art of painting, but later turned his attention to music, and became a pupil of Franz Lachner and F. Schmitt, studying harmony and counterpoint with the former, and singing with the latter. King Ludwig introduced Hey to Wagner, and he became an ardent admirer and follower of this master. When von Bülow left the Munich School of Music Hey attempted to reform the method of voice culture, but met with many obstacles, and upon the death of Wagner gave himself up to the completion of a book, setting forth Wagner's views on vocal training. This work, called German Song Instruction, was in four parts: one part relating to speech, one to development of tone and formation of women's voices, one, formation of men's voices, and the last, an index of explanation. This he published, hoping it would ultimately result in the opening of a school for formation of style. Though he failed to overturn existing methods he had a great influence on contemporary schools of singing. Wagner considered him first among all teachers of singing. His compositions include songs, duets, arid sixteen easy songs for children.