Rudolph H. Wurlitzer

Biography

Rudolph H. Wurlitzer attended school until 1891, then went to Berlin, Germany, for three semesters of university study, taking up acoustics, experimental physics, the history of music, and the study of musical instruments, as well as violin playing under prominent teachers connected to the Joachim Quartette circle. This training gave him an exceptional knowledge of violins. Returning to Cincinnati, he was elected a director of the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company in 1894, and became vice-president and treasurer in 1912. Described as an accomplished musician, he made the study of violins his specialty, and his judgment on instruments by the old masters was treated as authoritative. His research into tone production was said to aid the construction of Wurlitzer instruments, particularly the Wurlitzer piano, noted for its rich, powerful tone. He belonged to the University Clubs of Cincinnati and Chicago and other organizations, and was described as liberal-minded, tolerant, and genial, with his services valued by the Wurlitzer company. Wurlitzer is introduced in this text as the artistic genius of the Wurlitzer family, born at Cincinnati on December 30. The passage describing him is cut short at the end of the page range, so no further biographical detail beyond his birthplace and this characterization is given here. Wurlitzer was one of two sons (along with Farney Wurlitzer) who joined the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company, each taking charge of a department of the growing business, during the period of the firm's expansion prior to Rudolph Wurlitzer, Sr.'s retirement in 1906.

Highlights

• Joined the Wurlitzer concern as one of two additional sons, each taking charge of a department
• Introduced as 'the artistic genius' of the Wurlitzer family; born in Cincinnati on December 30 (year not given on this page).
• Studied acoustics, physics, music history and violin under noted Berlin-based teachers before returning to Cincinnati
• Elected a director of the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company in 1894, and vice-president and treasurer in 1912
• His judgment on instruments made by the old violin masters was generally accepted as final

Source

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), p. 355; Vol. II (1913), pp. 212, 214.

Public domain.