Seeboeck, W. C. E.

1859-1907

Accomplished pianist and composer; born at Vienna, but for many years a resident of the United States, where he taught and gave a great many concerts. Seeboeck's mother was a talented singer, a pupil of Marchesi, and she began his musical education when he was only eight. At ten he took up the study of the piano with Gradener, also studied with Epstein and Grill, had harmony and counterpoint with Nottebohm, and in 1875 became a pupil of Johannes Brahms in Vienna. He also gained a good general education, attending the Theresianum, a state gymnasium, where he was an exceptionally brilliant student. In 1877 he went to St. Petersburg to complete his studies and remained there sixteen months. His father having died he returned to Vienna, and then set out for the United States, taking up his residence in Chicago as a pianist and teacher in 1880, and remaining there until his death in 1907. Seeboeck was highly esteemed as a musician. He was a good executant and the author of many compositions of much value. He wrote an opera, The Missing Link, which was produced at Central Music Hall, Chicago. He also composed one hundred and sixty-seven songs; a berceuse; thirty-two concertos; several church compositions; orchestral works; studies; and other piano-pieces. He was pianist of the Apollo Club of Chicago and held a high place in the musical life of the city.