Kotzschmar, Hermann

1829

Organist, teacher and conductor of orchestra and choral societies. Was born at Finsterwalde, Prussia. When six years old his father began to  teach him piano and when eight the violin, beside teaching him to play the flute, clarinet, trombone, French horn and the organ. In 1842 he went to Dresden, where he studied violin and piano with Hayne, and composition and theory with Julius Otto. He played in the band of the Royal Body Guard and in the Opera Orchestra. In 1848 he came to America with the Saxonia band, and in 1849 settled in Portland, Maine, where he has since remained. Besides teaching piano and organ Mr. Kotzschmar was for forty-seven years organist of the First Parish Church, afterward becoming organist of the State Street Church. For over thirty years he has conducted the local Haydn Association and at various times other orchestras and choral societies in the state of Maine. Among his published works are church-music, Te Deum, Benedictus, Deus misereatur; vocal pieces; piano-pieces; romance; three mazurkas; Magic Top Galop; Fairy's Evening Song, and Arcturus.