C. F. Tretbar

Biography

The late C. F. Tretbar managed Steinway and Sons' concert and artist department during the earlier years of its history, raising it, in the text's words, to formidable heights of strength through able and unique management. Ernest Urchs was appointed to succeed him as department manager in 1906. From Spillane (1890): C. F. Tretbar was born February 13, 1832, in Brunswick, Germany. Inheriting the strong musical traits noted among natives of that duchy, he adopted music as a profession early in life and became known as a teacher and virtuoso. He joined Steinway & Sons in January 1865 and, by the time of writing, was "highly esteemed" within the firm.

Highlights

• Built Steinway's concert and artist department to formidable strength before his retirement, after which Ernest Urchs succeeded him in 1906
• Born in Brunswick, Germany; became known as a music teacher and virtuoso.
• Connected with Steinway & Sons since January 1865 and "highly esteemed."

Sources

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. II (1913), p. 191.

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), pp. 222, 223.

Public domain.