Agathe Plitt
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Agathe Plitt (1831 - 27 Dec 1902) was a German composer, pianist and teacher. She composed works for piano as well as cantatas,[1] songs, motets,[2] psalms[3] and other choral pieces through at least opus 7.[4] Her career was subsidized by Queen Elizabeth[5] and Empress Augusta, both of Prussia.[6]
Plitt was born in Torun (originally in Prussia; today in Poland).[7] She first studied music in Danzig, where she was considered a child prodigy,[8] then moved to Berlin in 1847. Queen Elizabeth of Prussia gave her a scholarship to study with Wilhelm Taubert. Beginning in 1852, she presented recitals throughout Germany, including in Danzig, Elbing, Konigsberg and Homburg, where she performed with the singer Johanna Wagner.[6] She also began to compose during this time. Composer Carl Friedrich Rungenhagen noted that "Agathe Plitt possesses a distinct talent for composition; her songs bear witness to deep emotional feeling.”[9]
Many of Plitt’s concerts were charitable in nature, given at no cost to hospitals, child care centers, etc.. To support herself, Plitt taught piano and also directed a women’s choir. Towards the end of her life, Empress Augusta of Prussia provided her with a pension, reportedly in recognition of her charitable work[6] which included over 50 concerts for the poor and sick.[9]
Plitt’s compositions were published by Challier & Company, and included:
Piano
- Three Mazurkas[6]