Der Komponist Heinrich XXIV. Reuß-Köstritz

Heinrich XXIV, Prince Reuss-Köstritz (1855-1910), from the younger line of the Thuringian princely house of Reuss composed six symphonies and many songs, choral and piano works, and chamber pieces. Well regarded in his own lifetime by the public, critics and composer friends such as Johannes Brahms, he awaits rediscovery today as a ‘minor master’.

The Prince was responsible for the management of the family estates in Bad Köstritz and Ernstbrunn, but felt just as much ‘the duty to make the most of talent’ as his composition teacher Herzogenberg once exhorted him. Actively engaged with the musical elite of cultural centres Leipzig and Vienna, he composed original works of high quality: rich in melody, formally accomplished, following the great models of late romanticism and yet still distinctive.

A complete overview of his works offers an introduction to Heinrich XXIV’s music. In addition, this book sees the first publication of his letters to Richard Barth, Joseph Joachim and Clara Schumann, and his daughter’s affectionate memoirs of her father’s impressive personality, both strict and sensitive. The sources paint a vivid picture of a composer caught between the duties of his rank and the drive to create music.