Karl Straube
born Berlin, January 6, 1873; died Leipzig, April 27, 1950
Documents associated with this person:
German organist, teacher, choral conductor, and interpreter of J. S. Bach and Handel.
Career Summary
In 1895, Straube became deputy organist at the new Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtnis-Kirche in Berlin, then in 1897 cathedral organist in Wessel. In 1903 he was appointed conductor of the Leipzig Bachverein, in 1907 organ teacher at the Leipzig Conservatory, and in 1918 Kantor of the Thomaskirche there (formerly J. S. Bach's position). He toured internationally with the Thomas choir. In 1919, he founded the department of church music (Kirchenmusikalische Institut der Evangelisch-Lutherischen Landeskirche Sachsen) of the Leipzig Conservatory. In 1920, he amalgamated the Bachverein and the Gewandhaus choirs, conducting them until 1933, and giving regular performances of Bach's music with the Thomanerchor and the Gewandhaus Orchestra.
Although situated within the Romantic German interpretative tradition of Hans von Bülow, Straube became a strong advocate of the performance of the music of Bach and Handel, showing an interest in approximating original forces.
Correspondence with Schenker
Only one letter survives from Straube to Schenker (OC 54/218, May 14, 1930), written at the instigation of Straube's close friend, Wilhelm Furtwängler. In 1921, Straube sounded Felix Hupka out on whether Schenker might be interested if an offer of a position in Leipzig were to come his way (OJ 14/1, [4]).
Sources:
- MGG
- NGDM2