Maretzek, Max

1821-1897

Conductor and composer; born at Brünn, in Moravia. He graduated from the University of Vienna, studying medicine two years, and under Kapellmeister von Seyfried studying composition and theory. As conductor of an orchestra he traveled in Germany, France and England, where, in 1844, he assisted Balfe in his duties at Her Majesty's Theatre. In 1848 he came to the United States, where, from 1849 to 1878, he produced Italian Opera in New York, Havana and Mexico. Beside his work as conductor and manager of operas, he has written two operas, Hamlet, produced at Brünn in 1843, and Sleepy Hollow, which came out in 1879; also some piano-music; songs; and chamber and orchestral music.