Charlotte Sporleder facts for kids

Charlotte Sporleder (born November 8, 1836 – died January 9, 1915) was a talented German composer. She became famous for her music and even won a special medal at the big Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. She published all her wonderful pieces under the name Charlotte Sporleder.

Charlotte was born in a town called Kassel. Her parents were Josepha von Warnsdorf and General Spiegel von und zu Peckelsheim. In 1855, she married Justus Henrich Sporleder, who was a Lieutenant Colonel. Sadly, she became a widow in 1865.

Becoming a Musician

Charlotte started playing the piano when she was just six years old. Her first teacher was her own mother! Later, she continued her music studies with other great teachers like Otto Kraushaar and Friedrich Ruhl.

She began sharing her music with the world in the late 1860s. She wrote at least 19 different musical works, each with its own special "opus number." In 1877, Charlotte showed her generous spirit. She donated all the money from selling her piece called Rondo Capriccio to help build a monument for another famous musician, Louis Spohr, in her hometown of Kassel.

Winning an Award at the World's Fair

A very exciting moment for Charlotte came in 1893. She traveled to the Chicago World’s Fair in the United States. There, she teamed up with a music expert named Anna Morsch. Together, they presented a special show of German music.

Charlotte's music was so beautiful and important that she received a medal from the World's Fair. She also got a special diploma from the Chicago Women’s Committee. They praised her because she "contributed significantly to the success of the exhibition by sending in her beautiful and numerous compositions." This was a huge honor for her!

Her Music

Charlotte Sporleder's music was published by several companies, including A. Michaelis, Bote & Bock, Johann Andre, and Monopol Verlag. Her compositions include different types of music, from pieces for bands to songs for singers.

Music for Bands

• some military band music

Chamber Music

• Concertante (for violin and piano)

Piano Music

• Grand Sonata
• Idylle for the Left Hand, opus 19
• Impromptu, opus 8
• Prussian Victory March, opus 14
• Rondo Capriccioso, opus 16 (this piece was also arranged for two people to play on one piano, using four hands!)
• Valse Brillante

Vocal Music (Songs)

• “Dear, Hear Me, opus 6” (for a singer, violin, and piano)
• “Der Vater ist am Steuer, opus 1”
• Four Songs, opus 2 (with words by Heinrich Heine)
• Four Songs, opus 15
• Two Songs, opus 11 (also with words by Heinrich Heine)
• Weihnachtslied (which means Christmas Carol), opus 20