DEATH OF DR RICHTER.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 14 February 1917, Page 2

DEATH OF DR RICHTER.

HIS BASE RETURN FOR BRITISH 1 KINDNESS. A telegram from Bayreuth announces the death of the famous conductor, Herr Hans Richter, who, in spite of the large income and hospitality he enjoyed formerly in England—especially in Manchester —led an anti-Brit-ish campaign in Germany at the beginning of the war. Dr. Richter, who was born at Raab, Hungary, in 1843, was one of the world’s greatest conductors and Wagner’s right-hand man. Indeed, no man did more to popularise the great master’s works in this country. In 1876 he directed the Bayreuth Festival for the first time, and in the following year made a memorable appearance at the Albert Hall, taking up the baton after Wagner himself had failed miserably to produce the real harmony of his discords from an English orchestra of 260 players. Subsequently Richter directed series of orchestral concerts in London. Birmingham, and Manchester. His last professional appearance in the metropolis was at the Queen’s Hall in March, 1911, when he conducted B’erlioz’s “Faust.” A month later, however, he gave a semi-private farewell concert in the same hall.

His English honours included M.V.O and Mus.D. Oxon. These he is supposed to have renounced on the outbreak of war, being a pensioner of his Government.