Friedrich Wilhelm Jannasch
Friedrich Wilhelm Jannasch | |
|---|---|
| Born | 15 October 1853 Mare, district of Malmesbury |
| Died | 19 April 1930 Stellenbosch |
| Occupation(s) | Church musician, composer, music educationist |
| Known for | Co-founder and first principal of the Conservatoire of Music of Stellenbosch University |
Friedrich Wilhelm Jannasch (15 October 1853 – 19 April 1930) was a church musician, composer, music educationist, and the co-founder and first principal (1905-1921) of the Conservatoire of Music of Stellenbosch University.
Early life and education[edit]
Friedrich Wilhelm Jannasch was born on October 15, 1853, in Mare, in the district of Malmesbury. His father was a Moravian missionary, and he was sent to a school of the Brüdergemeinde in Christiansfeld, Northern Schleswig (now part of Denmark). His early education, deeply influenced by the strict Christian principles of the Moravian Church and the romanticism of German culture, played a significant role in shaping his character and career path.
Jannasch showed exceptional musical talent from a young age, and at the age of 15, he caught the attention of Gustav Mankell from the Swedish Royal Academy of Music. This led to two years of study as a church musician in Stockholm (1869-1870), followed by further self-initiated studies in Breslau and Berlin. He then served as an organist in the Evangelische Brüdergemeinde in Gnadenfrei, Silesia, where he gained practical experience in music teaching over a decade (1872-1882).
Career[edit]
In 1883, Jannasch accepted an invitation from Professor N.J. Hofmeyr of the Stellenbosch Theological Seminary and relocated to Stellenbosch, South Africa. There, he built a successful teaching practice, particularly at the Bloemhof Girls' School. Around 1900, he established his own Music Academy, which became highly esteemed in the region. The academy, housed in a building he designed and named "Greylock" after a mountain in Massachusetts, provided instruction in organ, piano, singing, violin, and music theory. Jannasch also took on roles as a conductor, organist, and adviser on organs for various institutions.
Jannasch's career reached new heights when he, along with Nancy de Villiers, Mrs G.R. von Wiellich, and Hans Endler, co-founded the South African Conservatorium of Music in Stellenbosch in 1905. This institution aimed to elevate music education in the region to unprecedented levels. Jannasch played a pivotal role in the design of the Conservatoire's curriculum, ensuring its academic excellence and relevance to the local music scene. Under his leadership, the Conservatoire became a leading institution for music education in South Africa, attracting students from across the country.[1]
Throughout his career, Jannasch was also known for his contributions to Afrikaner nationalism through music. He actively participated in translating and adapting German sacred choral works for Afrikaans churches, enriching the local musical repertoire and heritage. Jannasch's dedication, vision, and leadership left a lasting impact on music education in South Africa, shaping the cultural landscape of the region.
Personal life[edit]
Friedrich Wilhelm Jannasch was married twice. His first wife, Bertha Schneider, passed away in Germany, and he later married Miss Carrie Ingraham of America, who was also the headmistress of Bloemhof. He had four children from his first marriage and three from his second. One of his daughters, Martha, followed in his footsteps and became a lecturer in piano and harmony at the Conservatoire.
Legacy[edit]
Friedrich Wilhelm Jannasch is remembered as a pioneer in music education in South Africa, particularly in Stellenbosch. His establishment of the Conservatoire of Music of the University of Stellenbosch laid the groundwork for the region's music education landscape. The Conservatoire building, designed by Jannasch himself, stands as a testament to his dedication and lasting contribution to the cultural heritage of South Africa.
Bibliography[edit]
- Behrens, R. (1955). Gedenkboek, Konservatorium vir Musiek van die Universiteit Stellenbosch (1905-1955). Pro Ecclesia, Stellenbosch.
- Chilvers, H. A. (1933). Music, art and literature in South Africa. Knox Printing Co., Durban.
- Heiberg, M.J. (Mrs McDonald) (1955). F.W. Jannasch en sy bydrae tot ons kerkmusiek. M.Mus. dissertation, University of Stellenbosch. Pr. Sondagskoolpers, Bloemfontein.
- Ottermann, Reino E. (1971). Friedrich Wilhelm Jannasch en sy invloed op die kerkmusiek van die N.G. Kerk. D. Phil. thesis, University of Stellenbosch.
- Van der Merwe, F.Z. (1958). Suid-Afrikaanse musiekbibliografie, 1787-1952. J.L. van Schaik, Pretoria.
Sources[edit]
- Die Burger: 21 Apr. 1930 (obituary); 7 Apr. 1970.
- Die Hoofstad: 14 Feb. 1969.