In the most unexpected of circumstances, a chance discovery of discarded music books on a street lead me to learning about Adolf Ruthardt. While his name may not be widely known, the influence of this composer is resurfacing. Born into a musical household and eventually becoming a distinguished piano professor, Ruthardt's contributions to the world of music have been overshadowed by the passage of time. Let us have a little look at the legacy of Adolf Ruthardt. Countless talented individuals have faded into obscurity, their contributions nearly lost. Among them, is Adolf Rutherhard. Sure some other Adolf artists are more remembered such as, Adolphe Adam famous for writing O’ holy Night, or Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone. Let us celebrate the talents of the forgotten Adolfs and bring their melodies back to life, one note at a time. |
Musical Roots and Upbringing:
Adolf was born in Stuttgart in 1849, born into a musical household, his father, killed an oboist, in the local conservatory. Sorry, typo! - His father was a skilled oboist in the local conservatory. Adolf’s brother played the violin so of course Adolf had to play something else. Adolf Ruthardt's musical journey took him from his humble beginnings to the prestigious position of piano professor in Leipzig in 1910. While his name may have faded, his impact as an educator, editor and composer was profound. His dedication to the piano and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians left a mark on his students and the musical community.
The Obscurity of Ruthhardt
Despite his mighty musical mastery, Adolf Ruthardt's compositions reside in the realm of relatively rare and forgotten. Many of his works, tucked away in the archives of musical history, await rediscovery. Luckily, gentlemen like, Phillip Sear, whose YouTube channel showcases Ruthardt's piano pieces. Sear's advocacy invites listeners to revisit Adolf Ruthardt's works.
Have a listen to Ruthardt's music played by Phillip Sear
Possibly the reason Adolf is not well known is because he worked a lot at editing musical pieces. Musical editors possess a unique skill set, combining musical acumen, meticulous attention to detail, and an understanding of the composer's intentions. They are custodians of musical heritage, preserving the essence of original works while adapting them for the expressive capabilities of a certain instrument, in this case the piano. Editors capture the soul of the composer, ensuring the music flourishes under the performer's fingertips. They often also explicitly showed which fingers to place in what sequence to create that effect. These edited works inspire countless musicians, providing solace and joy as they delve into the genius of great composers. Editors also inspire future generations, broadening horizons and fueling creativity. They serve as catalysts for musical evolution, bridging the past and the future. Unfortunately, the side effect of this super power is it also makes one somewhat invisible.
The piano was invented around 1700, and yet, 180 years later, Adolf believed it was necessary to write a book about this instrument and its playing techniques. Today, the piano holds a prominent place in mainstream music culture, alongside the guitar. However, in the grand scheme of things, the piano's 300-year history pales in comparison to ancient flutes that have existed for thousands of years. It is thanks to individuals like Adolf Ruthhard, who acted as ambassadors for the piano, that this instrument has become part of the furniture of our daily musical landscape. Perhaps, thanks to the electrification of the guitar that instrument has become ingrained in today's everyday culture. We can thank Adolph Rickenbacker for the electric guitar.
The legacy of Adolf Ruthardt, like that of many unsung artists, serves as a reminder of the countless talents that have slipped through the cracks. It is a call to celebrate the forgotten Adolfs and bring their melodies back to life, infusing the world with the harmonies they crafted with care and passion. With each note revived, we pay homage to the resilience and enduring spirit of the overlooked.