Description

EMIL HEERMANN (BRANDENBURG, GERMANY, 5 DECEMBER, 1886 – CINCINNATI, HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO, USA, 13 JANUARY, 1954)

 

 

 

 

Emil Heermann was an American violinist of German descent, best remembered for his exceptionally long and influential tenure as concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, a position he held from 1910 until 1946. For more than three decades, Heermann stood at the musical center of one of America’s leading orchestras during a crucial period of its artistic development.

Born in 1886 into a distinguished musical family, Emil was the son of the noted German violinist and pedagogue Hugo Heermann, himself briefly concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony. Emil succeeded his father in the role, establishing a remarkable family legacy within the orchestra. His brother, Walter Heermann, served for many years as principal cellist of the CSO, making the Heermanns one of the most prominent musical families in the orchestra’s history.

As concertmaster, Emil Heermann was responsible for the leadership of the string section, coordination of bowings, and close collaboration with conductors. During his tenure, he worked with major musical figures of the early 20th century and played a central role in shaping the orchestra’s disciplined, refined string sound. He also appeared frequently as a soloist, performing violin concertos with the Cincinnati Symphony and participating in important premieres.

Heermann was highly regarded for his elegant musicianship and reliability as an orchestral leader. His standing within Cincinnati’s musical life was such that he was entrusted with fine instruments, including a Stradivari violin, made available to him through the patronage of Anna Sinton Taft, reflecting both his artistic stature and the esteem in which he was held by the city’s cultural elite.

After retiring from his post in 1946, Heermann remained a respected figure in Cincinnati musical circles. He died in 1954, closing a chapter on one of the longest and most stable concertmaster tenures in American orchestral history.

Emil Heermann’s legacy endures through his contribution to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s early identity and through the lasting imprint of the Heermann family on American orchestral life.

 

 

TRACKLIST

 

 

An Old Italian Love Song (Sammartini) Brunswick 4153 C1909½ 5/10/1928 Chicago, Illinois

Andalusian Caprice (Perello) Brunswick 4153 C1910½ 5/10/1928 Chicago, Illinois

Arabesque in E major (Debussy) Brunswick 4229 C1911 5/10/1928 Chicago, Illinois

Arabesque in G major (Debussy) Brunswick 4229 C1922 5/11/1928 Chicago, Illinois

Dalvisa Swedish folk song (Sandby) Brunswick 4228 C1923 5/11/1928 Chicago, Illinois

Pierrette Air de ballet (Chaminade) Brunswick 4228 C1924 5/11/1928 Chicago, Illinois

Heermann Trio (Musical group)

Heermann, Emil (instrumentalist: violin)

Walter Heermann (instrumentalist: cello)

Thomie Prewitt Williams (instrumentalist: piano)