Reinhard Gebhardt

Reinhard W. Gebhardt (1858 – May 28, 1920, in Greenville, Texas) was a German composer, violinist, and teacher, most active in New York. He was born in Anholt, Germany on April 3, 1858, to an extremely musical family.

Upbringing and career
Gebhardt's father was a student of Felix Mendelssohn. He began his musical studies with his father and brother, both of whom were highly skilled musicians. Shortly after, he moved to Holland and began his formal education, and continuing his musical development. He became a student of Hendrik Arnoldus Meijroos[nl] (violinist), Rief (organ) while in Leipzig, and Hans von Bülow and Carl Heymann (piano). Following his study, returned to Holland whereupon he began a three-country performance tour shortly after in Holland, Belgium, and Germany.

After an unknown period, Gebhardt moved to America where he began a career as a teacher, composer, and performer. In 1886, Gebhardt performed as the pianist in a trio which performed through the Grand Conservatory of Music in New York. However, as his health began to fail he moved to Paris, Texas, where he continued his compositional career. According to the musical publication The Etude, he had won several prizes for his compositions. In 1916, he won the first prize for his piano work in the intermediate or advanced grade level. Around the mid-1910s, following his move to Paris, Texas he began the "Gebhardt College of Music."

Family
Gebhardt was married to Helena Barbara "Helen" Seibert and had three confirmed daughters, Theodora "Adelaide," Estelle Sophie, and Viola Gertrude.

Compositions

 * Ballad (piano)
 * Fantasie Impromptu (piano, Op. 45)
 * Nocturne
 * Theme and Finale
 * Viola Waltz (Op. 38, dedicated to his daughter Viola)
 * Nocturne Caprice (piano)
 * When Two Dear Hearts Must Sever (voice and piano)
 * Magic Spell
 * Grand Festival March (1885)
 * Polonaise in F Major (piano, Op.62)
 * Une Miniature (piano)