Oscar Ferdinand Telgmann (ca. 1855 – 30 March 1946)[1] was a German-Canadian composer of operettas, conductor and educator, and violinist best known for his operetta Leo, the Royal Cadet.[2][3]

Early life

Telgmann was born in Mengeringhausen (now part of Bad Arolsen), Principality of Waldeck and Pyrmont to Jean Ferdinand Telgmann and Dorette Margaret Leonhardti. In 1863, at age 6 emigrated with his parents to Kingston, Ontario via New York.[4] He began his musical studies in Canada.

Career

In 1882, with his siblings, Telgmann formed the Telgmann Concert Party, a touring ensemble. He founded, in 1892, the Kingston Conservatory of Music and School of Elocution of which he was principal for over 25 years. He led the school's student orchestra.[5] In 1914, he founded the Kingston Symphony Orchestra, which he conducted until his retirement in 1936.

Leo, the Royal Cadet, opera by Telgmann based on Royal Military College of Canada

Telgmann composed three operettas, The Miller and the Maid, King of Siam and Leo, the Royal Cadet. The latter achieved over 1,700 performances between its premiere in 1889 and 1925 and has recently been revived in a revised version.[2][6] Other compositions included marches such as "Boo Hoo's Queen's Dominion Victory March" (1922) and "The Mascot: Boo Hoo's March to Queen's Rugby Team". He composed songs such as "The Nutcracker Mazurka", "Mr. Craig", "The Laird of Glenburne", and "Scotch Country Dance".[7]

Personal life

Telgmann married Alida Jackson. Their daughter Mignon Telgmann (born 1898) was a violin teacher.

Telgmann died in Toronto in 1946 at the age of approximately 91. A music bursary established by his family in his memory and that of his daughter Mignon (born 1898)[8] was subsequently established at Queen's University.[9]

Works

References

  1. ^ Beharriell, Patricia (15 December 2013) [June 2007]. "Oscar Telgmann". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  2. ^ a b Mel Atkey (30 October 2006). Broadway North: The Dream of a Canadian Musical Theatre. Dundurn. pp. 34–35. ISBN 978-1-4597-2120-3.
  3. ^ Cameron, George Frederick, 1854–1885 Leo, the Royal cadet [microform] Kingston, Ontario, Archive.org
  4. ^ New York, Passenger Lists, 1820–1957 [full citation needed]
  5. ^ Joan Finnigan; Frank C. Johnston (1976). Kingston: celebrate this city. McClelland and Stewart. pp. 82–83. ISBN 978-0-7710-3160-1.
  6. ^ Information about production at the Toronto Operetta Theatre
  7. ^ Telgmann fonds at Library and Archives Canada, CollectionsCanada.gc.ca
  8. ^ in Archives Canada
  9. ^ Information about the bursary
  10. ^ Letellier, Robert Ignatius (2015). "Oscar Ferdinand Telgmann". Operetta: A Sourcebook, Vol 2, p. 1023. Cambridge Scholars Publishing
  11. ^ Schmid Almonor (November 2012). It Wasn't Me. Dorrance Publishing. pp. 80–. ISBN 978-1-4349-2541-1.
  12. ^ Cliffordfordpublications.ca
  13. ^ Cliffordfordpublications.ca
  14. ^ "Klondyke march and two step" Collections Canada.[dead link]
  15. ^ The British whig march
  16. ^ Our Premier
  17. ^ Scotch Country Dance
  18. ^ The Usual way

See also

Categories