Louise Reichardt facts for kids

Louise Reichardt (born April 11, 1779 – died November 17, 1826) was a talented German composer and choral conductor. She was known for her German songs, called Lieder, which were easy to listen to and sounded a bit like folk music. These songs were very popular, and she had a big impact on the music scene in Hamburg, Germany, where she lived from 1809.

About Louise Reichardt

Her Early Life

Louise Reichardt was born in Berlin. She came from a very musical family! Her parents, Juliane Reichardt and Johann Friedrich Reichardt, were both composers. Her grandfather, Franz Benda, was also a famous musician. Her grandfather and father worked as important music directors for Frederick the Great, who was the king of Prussia.

After her mother passed away, Louise's family moved from Berlin to Giebichenstein, which is near Halle. Louise learned music from her father. By the year 1800, four of her own songs were published in a collection that also featured her father's music.

The Reichardt family often hosted famous writers and thinkers at their home. These included people like Goethe, Ludwig Tieck, and Clemens Brentano. Louise later used poems from one of these writers, Achim von Arnim, for a collection of twelve of her songs.

Life in Hamburg

In 1809, Louise moved to Hamburg. There, she continued her music studies with Johann Frederich Clasing. She became very busy teaching music, leading choruses, and composing her own pieces. Louise didn't need rich sponsors or royalty to get her music heard. She wanted her music to reach everyone.

Most of her popular Lieder were written during her time in Hamburg, from 1809 to 1826. She made her songs easy for people to enjoy. She combined catchy tunes with simple piano parts, making them sound like beloved folk songs.

Louise was also very active as a choral conductor. She even started her own singing group, called a Gesangverein, in Hamburg. However, because of the way things were for women back then, she was never allowed to conduct her choir in public concerts. Even with these challenges, Louise Reichardt greatly influenced music in Hamburg. She did this through her composing, teaching, and by leading her choirs behind the scenes. She also translated old Latin musical works by composers like Hasse and Graun into German.

Her Personal Story

Louise Reichardt faced some sadness in her personal life. Her first fiancé, a writer named Friedrich August Eschen, passed away suddenly before they could get married. Later, her second fiancé, a painter named Franz Gareis, also died before their wedding.

Her Music and Works

Here are some of Louise Reichardt's known musical works:

• Giusto Amor
• Notturno
• Vanne felice rio (Metastasio) (1806)
• Bergmannslied (Novalis)
• Heimweh (attributed to Wetzel)
• Die Blume der Blumen (Runge)
• Duettino (1802) (Brentano) (for two tenors)
• From Des Knaben Wunderhorn: Hier liegt ein Spielmann begraben
• Betteley der Vögel