Hutschenruijter, Willem

1796-1878

One of the most active and praiseworthy of Dutch musicians. Born and died at Rotterdam, Netherlands. Studied under Hummel and Romberg, and violin under Dahmen. Became a leading artist of the violin and horn. In 1821 he organized the band of the National Guard, and in 1826 the Eruditio musica, one of the best musical societies in the Netherlands. He eventually became director of both of these organizations, as well as of the Musis Sacrum Society. He taught at the School of Music and was chapelmaster of St. Dominik's Church. The Order of the Oaken Crown was conferred upon him in 1858; he had previously received the honorary title of chapelmaster at Delft and was a member of the Academy of St. Cecilia of Rome. Among his compositions are an opera, Le Roi de Boheme; four symphonies for full orchestra; two concert overtures; overtures for windinstruments; a sonata for piano and violoncello; several collections of songs; masses and cantatas.