Gottfried Piefke

From Marchdb.net

September 9, 1815 - January 25, 1884

Germany

Johann Gottfried Piefke was born on the 9. September 1815 in Schwerin an der Warthe, now in Poland.

In 1835 Piefke became a member of the Leibgrenadier Regiment 8 stationed at Frankfurt an der Oder. This regiment sent him to Berlin to the Royal Academy of Music from 1838-1843, and he returned to his regiment upon completion of his studies. In 1843 he became the bands conductor. While its leader, he was appointed Royal Director of Music, a degree conferred by the Royal Academy. On the 20. march 1865 he became the director of all Bands of the königlich-preußische III: Armee-Korps.

Piefke was the epitome of the ideal Prussian bandmaster, not only because of his excellent musicianship but also because of his position in the army and his attitude as a soldier. He and his band participated actively in the campaigns and wars of 1864, 1866, and 1870-1871. He was always present at combat areas to provide music to inspire the attacking troops. At this time, military band music was considered very important, and all German sources agree that Piefke's performances were unique. The following example illustrates his great popularity in the Prussian Army. After the battle of Koniggratz on July 3, 1866 (at which the Prussians defeated the Austrians), Piefke was summoned to the Royal Headquarters. He conducted three assembled bands in patriotic marches and popular airs, and the overwhelming response resulted in the program being repeated three times. After that concert, he was given the nicknames "Great Piefke" and "European Piefke" in the Prussian Army.

As a musician, he witnessed the rise of Prussian band music, which was largely due to the far-reaching reforms of Wilhelm Wieprecht, a civilian. But as a soldier, Piefke belonged to a group of bandleaders who advocated the Austrian style instrumentation, preferring the fluegelhorn to the Prussian cornet. He contributed greatly to the development of Prussian band music, helping to maintain its standards and wide musical variety, and incorporating some features from the Austrians. This was accomplished by exploiting his position and influence in the army.

Piefkeís musicianship, conducting ability, and the high standard of performance of his band were praised by many authorities of the day, including the famous conductor Hans von Bülow. Piefke's compositions include waltzes, songs, and some 60 marches. His reputation is kept alive in Germany by virtue of those marches of his which were incorporated into the book, The Collection of Marches for the Royal Prussian Army. These are all ideal for the parade ground. Their structure is often rather simple, but they are nonetheless musically logical and captivating. It is important to note, however, that there is no "typical Piefke march", because he used a wide variety of styles and effects. The popularity of his marches was often due to the inclusion of popular and patriotic airs of the day. When Piefke died on January 25, 1884 in Frankfurt an der Oder, many royal dignitaries, high-ranking officers, and friends attended the funeral. An outstanding soldier, superb musician, and a figure revered in the Prussian Army had passed away.

Piefke wrote about 60 marches.

Marches composed by Gottfried Piefke:

1. Preußens Gloria (also known as Prussia's Glory)
2. Pochhamer-Marsch (1846)
3. Gitana Marsch (1848)
4. Magarethenmarsch (1864) Contains motives from Charles Gounod’s opera “Faust” (1859)
5. Siegermarsch (1864)
6. Der Alsenströmer (1866)
7. Der Lymfjordströmer (1866)
8. Düppel Schanzen (1866)
9. Duppeler Morgenrot (1866)
10. Der Königgrätzer (1866)
11. Gitschiner Marsch
12. Alexandrinen-Marsch
13. Im Hochland
14. Herwath Marsch
15. Hohenfriedburger Marsch
16. Kaiser Wilhelmn Sieges Marsch
17. Wilhelmn Friederich Marsch