Kapellmeister
The word Kapellmeister emerged from the German terms for chapel and master, literally translating to 'master of the chapel choir'. Originally this title designated someone in charge of music within a religious chapel setting. Over centuries the meaning shifted dramatically to describe leaders of modern musical ensembles. Today the term often refers to directors of smaller groups used for television, radio, or theatre productions. Variant spellings like capellmeister appear occasionally in English language works about historical composers. The evolution reflects how noble patronage systems transformed into contemporary professional structures.
During the period between 1500 and 1800 the word Kapellmeister frequently designated the director of music for monarchs or noblemen across German-speaking countries. Johann Sebastian Bach worked from 1717 to 1723 as Kapellmeister for Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen. Joseph Haydn served many years as Kapellmeister for the Esterházy family, a high-ranking noble group within the Habsburg monarchy. George Frideric Handel held the position for George, Elector of Hanover who later became King George I of Great Britain. These appointments represented senior roles involving supervision of other musicians and considerable musical skill. Becoming a Kapellmeister marked significant success for professional musicians during these centuries.
By the end of the 18th century many nobility members had declined economically relative to newly prosperous middle class groups. Maintenance of a full musical establishment became too expensive for most aristocrats. A well-known instance occurred in 1790 when Prince Anton Esterházy succeeded his father Nikolaus and dismissed almost all of the latter's extensive musical establishment. Haydn himself was retained in an essentially honorary role but gained freedom to pursue independent plans including journeys to England. During this same period steady decline in orchestras supported by aristocratic families affected all composers and their works. Musicians needed new ways to support themselves through publication or concert income rather than court salaries.
Arnold von Bruck served as Kapellmeister in Vienna for Ferdinand I from 1527 to 1545. Mattheus Le Maistre worked at the court of Electors of Saxony in Dresden from 1554 to 1568. Heinrich Schütz held the position to John George I, Elector of Saxony from 1619. Johann Sebastian Bach worked from 1717 to 1723 as Kapellmeister for Leopold, Prince of Anhalt-Köthen. George Frideric Handel served as Kapellmeister from 1710 to 1712 for George, Elector of Hanover. Christoph Willibald Gluck became Kapellmeister starting 1754 for Maria Theresa, Archduchess of Austria and Holy Roman Empress in Vienna. Joseph Haydn had two Kapellmeister positions first from probably 1757 to 1761 for Count Morzin then from 1761 on for the Eszterházy family.
In April 1791 Mozart applied to become the Kapellmeister at St. Stephen's Cathedral and was designated by the City Council to take over following death of the ailing incumbent Leopold Hofmann. This never took place since Mozart died December 1791 before Hofmann did in 1793. In reviews diaries and advertising Mozart was commonly referred to as Kapellmeister despite never holding official court authority. His prestige along with frequent public appearances directing other musicians led to use of the term as respect rather than formal title. Antonio Salieri exercised primary authority in matters musical at the court where Mozart worked as chamber composer from 1787.
In contemporary German the term has become less common than Dirigent which means conductor. When used today it designates director or chief conductor of an orchestra or choir suggesting involvement in policy decisions like selecting repertoire and concert schedules. In military settings it refers specifically to a bandmaster. The music director of Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra traditionally holds the old-fashioned title. Other German opera houses generally use the term for deputy conductors reporting to general music directors who serve as chief conductors. Christian Thielemann offered nuanced account suggesting Kapellmeister unfairly acquired sense of routine while he personally prefers the title for its implied virtues of knowledge great ability and dedication to cause of music.
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Common questions
What does the word Kapellmeister mean?
The word Kapellmeister literally translates to master of the chapel choir. It emerged from German terms for chapel and master to designate someone in charge of music within a religious chapel setting.
When did Johann Sebastian Bach work as Kapellmeister for Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen?
Johann Sebastian Bach worked from 1717 to 1723 as Kapellmeister for Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen. This appointment represented a senior role involving supervision of other musicians and considerable musical skill during the period between 1500 and 1800.
Why did the meaning of Kapellmeister change by the end of the 18th century?
Many nobility members declined economically relative to newly prosperous middle class groups by the end of the 18th century. Maintenance of a full musical establishment became too expensive for most aristocrats leading to steady decline in orchestras supported by aristocratic families.
Who was appointed Kapellmeister at St. Stephen's Cathedral in April 1791?
Mozart applied to become the Kapellmeister at St. Stephen's Cathedral in April 1791 and was designated by the City Council to take over following death of the ailing incumbent Leopold Hofmann. This never took place since Mozart died December 1791 before Hofmann did in 1793.
How is the term Kapellmeister used in contemporary German compared to Dirigent?
In contemporary German the term has become less common than Dirigent which means conductor. When used today it designates director or chief conductor of an orchestra or choir suggesting involvement in policy decisions like selecting repertoire and concert schedules.