Album insights
In October 1880, a 22-year-old musician from Vienna was on a train journey from his hometown to Mühlhausen to assume a position as a cantor. Hans Rott, having excelled in his studies as an organist under Anton Bruckner at the Vienna Conservatory, was unable to establish himself as a composer in Vienna. Due to this, he reluctantly sought employment elsewhere. A significant incident occurred during his journey when Rott forcefully prevented a fellow passenger from lighting a cigar by brandishing a revolver. He claimed that Brahms had filled the train with dynamite.
This event marked the end of a short yet remarkable creative career for Rott. Admitted to a mental institution, initial hopes of recovery gradually faded as he descended into deepening depressions. Destroying some of his compositions, including his last work, a string sextet, he used them as toilet paper, declaring human creations worthless. By autumn 1881, diagnosed with "hallucinatory madness and paranoia," any chance of recovery was deemed unlikely. Physical decline set in towards the end of 1883, leading to Rott's death from tuberculosis on June 25 the following year. His works had not been printed or publicly performed during his lifetime, suggesting a fate of swift obscurity along with his grave at the Central Cemetery.
Contrary to expectations, after Rott's death, his two closest friends collected and handed over all existing manuscripts to the Austrian National Library in Vienna. Additionally, Bruckner had not forgotten his exceptional student, discussing Rott's fate with friends and students. Despite financial struggles, Rott pursued his passion for composition, and his exceptional talent was acknowledged at the Conservatory. Although a career as an organist seemed possible, Rott felt compelled to pursue a path as a composer. His time at the Conservatory was marked by challenges but also notable achievements, particularly excelling in his studies under Bruckner.
Rott faced disappointments and rejection in his pursuits, including a failed composition competition. His interactions with notable figures like Brahms and Bruckner influenced his musical endeavors. Rott's Symphony in E major showcased influences from Wagner and Brahms, provoking mixed reactions from contemporaries. Mutual respect for these composers led to highs and lows in Rott's career, contributing to his untimely demise. Despite setbacks, his dedicated pursuit of music composition left a lasting impression, as recognized by future composers like Gustav Mahler, who found inspiration in Rott's work. The echoes of Rott's innovative approach and unique musical vision underscore a promising talent unjustly cut short.