Hermann T. Schrader facts for kids

Hermann Theodor Schrader (born 1860, died 1934) was a talented musician from South Australia. He played the piano, violin, and cello. Later in his life, he became a respected teacher in Victoria, Australia.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Hermann was born in Adelaide, South Australia. His father, Heinrich Schrader, was also a musician and teacher. Heinrich came from Brunswick, Germany, in 1857. He taught singing and led a band in Adelaide. He played instruments like the cornet and tuba.

Hermann went to the Deutsche Schule and then North Adelaide Grammar School. Around 1878, he traveled to Germany to study music. He learned from a famous teacher named Hans von Bülow in Munich. Hermann came back to Australia after his father passed away.

Concerts and Teaching

In July 1880, Hermann played his first public concert in Adelaide. He performed pieces by famous composers like Mendelssohn and Schubert. People really enjoyed his playing. He often performed with another musician, Moritz Heuzenroeder. Hermann usually played the violin while Moritz played the piano.

In 1883, Hermann became a music examiner for the University of Adelaide. He helped choose talented young musicians for scholarships. He also played with the Adelaide String Quartet in the early 1880s.

In 1884, he went back to Germany to study more music in Leipzig. He returned in 1886. In 1887, he was the main pianist for the Adelaide Jubilee International Exhibition.

Moving to Melbourne

In 1889, Hermann moved to Melbourne. He played with the Melbourne Exhibition Orchestra. Soon after, he became a music professor at the Melbourne University Conservatorium. Before he left Adelaide, people held a special concert to say goodbye to him.

He also taught music to students in Geelong and at Sacré Cœur School in Glen Iris. Hermann was part of a string quartet led by George Marshall-Hall.

Hermann was remembered as a kind friend and a great artist. People described him as a merry companion and a humble genius. Other famous musicians, like Fritz Kreisler and Percy Grainger, respected him. One writer felt it was fitting that Hermann died on his way home from a concert, as he had dedicated his life to music.

Musical Compositions

Hermann Schrader also wrote his own music. Here are some of his compositions:

• A march played at the 1887 Jubilee.
• The song Wild wishes.
• The song Arab love song.
• The song Bright was the Purple Dawning, written for Sacré Cœur School.
• The song Little blue pigeon.
• Ave Maria, written for Xavier College in 1930.
• Mater Admirabilis, a hymn.

Hermann's Family

Hermann was not the only musician in his family. His brother, Charles William Schrader, played the cornet. His sister, Anna Augusta Wilhelmina "Minna" Schrader, was a well-known singer. Another brother, Arthur Frederick Schrader, played the violin in an orchestra.

Hermann Schrader married Mary Elizabeth Patricia Dorney Walsh in 1896. They had a home called "Wonga." Their children included:

• May Walsh Schrader (1887–1930), who was a nurse.
• Herman Galway Schrader (1892–1948).
• Heinrich Christian "Heine" "Henry" Schrader (1893–1980), who was a sportsman.
• Herma Patricia Wilhelmina Schrader, who lived at "Wonga."
• Molleen Theodora Schrader (born 1901).

Research Documents

The National Library of Australia has a collection of documents about H. T. Schrader.