Satzenhofer, Julius

Born: in 1850
Died: 26.09.1901
deutscher Fagottist

Nothing is known about Julius Satzenhofer's childhood and youth. We owe the following biographical information to the commemorative publication "Deutsche Musiker in der Stadt an der Neva" (German musicians in the city on the Neva):

"The Bavarian citizen Julius Adolf Satzenhofer travelled from Munich to St. Petersburg in 1875 and joined the ensemble of Kapellmeister Benjamin Bilse in Pavlovsk. His strength of character and the lack of bassoon soloists with orchestral experience allowed him to refuse the annual salary of 700 roubles initially offered to him in his negotiations with the director of the Imperial Theatres for an engagement in the orchestra of the Russian Opera. At the insistence of Napravnik, who had recognised the bassoonist's talent in the course of three rehearsals and had "absolutely no one else" at his disposal, 100 roubles were reallocated within a week from the budgets for the vacant positions of trombonist and oboist - and Julius Satzenhofer took up his duties. He devoted over 23 years to this orchestra and fulfilled "conscientiously and with great zeal" his obligations as orchestral soloist in both opera and ballet. Almost at the same time, Satzenhofer began teaching at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, where his career led him to the title of Extraordinary Professor of First Rank. After being sworn in as a Russian citizen in 1877, Satzenhofer earned a large pension. By decree of Alexander III on 21 July 1888, he was awarded the Stanislaus Order, third class, in recognition of "his outstanding and diligent service and his special efforts". Later, he was awarded the title of Hofrat. In 1896, it was the Conservatoire that proposed him for the award of the Order of Anne, third class, "for diligent and useful service". Unfortunately, from the beginning of the 1880s, the bassoon enthusiast's health made him increasingly difficult. More and more often herequested leave from the theatre and subsidies for his medical treatment (which were never denied him!). The doctors recommended that he give up his service, as it provoked cerebral haemorrhages and a loss of eyesight. But the orchestral musician continued to work and did not ask to be released until 1 October 1898. On 26 September 1901, the 50-year-old musician suffered another stroke, which he did not survive. His body was moved from flat no. 17 at 88 Nevsky Prospekt to his grave in the Volkov cemetery."

Contributed to: