Theodora Troendle facts for kids

Theodora R. Troendle (born October 19, 1893 – died June 12, 1972) was an American musician. She was a talented composer, a skilled pianist, and a dedicated music teacher. One of her biggest achievements was writing a piano concerto. She then played it for the very first time as a solo performer with the Chicago Women's Symphony Orchestra in 1927.

Early Life and Education

Theodora R. Troendle was born in Chicago. Her parents were Victor Hugo and Isabel MacDonald Troendle. Later, her family moved to Minneapolis. Her father, Victor, was the president of a paper company there.

Theodora loved music from a young age. She studied at Northwestern University. Her teachers included Adolf Wiedig and Arne Oldberg. She also learned from the famous pianist Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler. Theodora even worked as Ms. Bloomfield-Zeisler's assistant for several years, from 1913 to 1920.

A Talented Pianist

Theodora Troendle was an amazing pianist. She even made a test recording for the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1922. However, this recording was never sold to the public. She also recorded music for special piano rolls.

Theodora performed in many concerts. She toured as a solo pianist. She played with several orchestras, including those in St. Louis, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and the Chicago Women's Symphony.

Teaching and Leadership

Besides performing, Theodora was also a dedicated music educator. She taught music in Chicago. She worked at the MacDowell School of Music and the Sherwood Music School. She also taught at the DePaul University School of Music.

Theodora was a leader in the music world. She served a term as the president of the Society of American Musicians. This shows how respected she was by other musicians.

Her Music

Theodora Troendle's music was published by a company called Clayton F. Summy Co. She wrote different kinds of music.

Writings

• How Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler Taught (Etude magazine November 1929)
  • This was an article she wrote about how her teacher, Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler, taught piano.

Music for Orchestra

• Piano Concerto
  • This is a piece of music for a piano and a full orchestra.
• Poem (violin and orchestra)
  • This is a piece for a solo violin playing with an orchestra.

Music for Piano

• Pomponette
• Suite Juvenile
  • A "suite" is a collection of short musical pieces. "Juvenile" means it might have been written for younger players or in a youthful style.