Ilse Gerda Wunsch facts for kids
Ilse Gerda Wunsch (born December 14, 1911 – died October 8, 2003) was a very talented musician. She was a composer, a pianist, a teacher, and a conductor for choirs.
Ilse was born in Berlin, Germany. She started learning piano there. Later, she moved to the United States. She earned a special music degree from the Chicago Music College. She learned piano from Rudolf Ganz and studied how to compose music with Max Wald. She also learned about counterpoint with Erich Katz.
Her Teaching Career
Ilse Wunsch loved to teach music. She taught at the New York College of Music for many years, from 1948 to 1968. She also taught at the Stern College for Women, which is part of Yeshiva University, from 1960 to 1964. When the New York College of Music became part of New York University in 1968, she continued teaching there. She was an associate professor of music education.
Music for Worship
Besides teaching, Ilse Wunsch was also a church musician. She was the organist and choir director at Temple Beth-El in Cedarhurst, New York. She held this position from 1949 to 1968. In 1966, Ilse Wunsch married Otto Mainzer.
Her Compositions
Ilse Wunsch wrote many pieces of music. Here are some of her well-known compositions:
- Sabbath Morning Service (This was for a choir and a solo singer, with organ or piano music. The words were written by Rabbi Edward T. Sandrow. It was created in 1956.)
- Sacred Songs
- Twelve Progressing Tone Plays (These were pieces written for the piano in 1972.)
- Young Faith (This was a Sabbath evening service. It was also for a choir and a solo singer, with organ or piano music. The words were by Rabbi Edward T. Sandrow, and it was composed in 1956.)
