Hans Bronsart von Schellendorff, virtually unknown in the musical world today, is primarily remembered by a few Liszt enthusiasts, who selected him to perform his Second Piano Concerto in Weimar. But who was this musician, so highly esteemed by Liszt?
Born into a Prussian military family, he began his musical journey in Danzig before moving to Berlin, where he studied at the university. His musical training eventually led him to Weimar under the tutelage of Franz Liszt.
After a successful career as a piano virtuoso, Bronsart turned to composition and assumed various conducting positions. He married the talented pianist Ingeborg Starck, who herself enjoyed success as a composer. In his later years, his compositional output receded into the background as he increasingly devoted himself to conducting and administrative duties.
As a composer, Bronsart achieved particular acclaim for his Piano Concerto in F-sharp minor, which Hans von Bülow described as the finest Weimar concerto. The final movement, a lively Allegro con fuoco, captivates with its exhilarating energy.
In his time, Bronsart's talent was appreciated by colleagues such as Wagner, Brahms, and Bülow. From 1867 to 1887, he directed the Royal Theatre in Hanover, and subsequently held a similar position in Weimar until his retirement in 1895. He died on November 3, 1913, in Munich.
Many of his works have unfortunately been lost, including his two symphonies. Besides his famous piano concerto, which was dedicated to his wife, he also composed a piano trio in G minor, several piano pieces, and a symphonic poem entitled "Spring Fantasy," which Bülow described as "very beautiful."