Marxsen, Eduard

1806-1887

German organist and pianist; was at one time instructor of Brahms. He was born at Nieustadten, near Altona, which was the place of his death. He began preparing for the ministry but gave it up for musical pursuits, studying first with his father, whom he assisted as organist, then with Clasing at Hamburg and later at Vienna with Bocklet and Seyfried. He finally settled at Hamburg, gave a successful concert of his own compositions and became prominent as a teacher, Brahms and Deppe being among his pupils. He wrote Beethoven's Schatten, considered his best work; orchestral symphonies and overtures; marches; sonatas; and other piano-music.