Herr Pfeiffer’s German Band in Clare 1855-1856

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Sduddy
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Herr Pfeiffer’s German Band in Clare 1855-1856

Post by Sduddy » Wed Nov 11, 2020 4:25 pm

All quotations below are from the Clare Journal and Ennis Advertiser newspaper.

The involvement of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in the Crimean War, 1853-1856, meant that the regular army was engaged overseas, and barracks normally occupied by soldiers were left vacant. A Militia was raised to man the barracks and to provide recruits (voluntary) “to the line”, i.e. the regular army.
I became interested in the Militia when I read Paul Huddie’s book, The Crimean War and Irish society, recommended to me by Jimbo, a regular contributor to this Forum, and I posted some information on the Militia under the title of “Agricultural Labourers in Clare in the 19th Century”: http://www.ourlibrary.ca/phpbb2/viewtop ... 7&start=15

I’ve been looking at mentions of the Militia in the Clare Journal and Ennis Advertiser newspaper, and see that some German musicians were engaged to train a Militia regimental band. The Militia already had a fife and drum band, but this was going to be a brass band. I think the Germans were just three: Herr Gustav Pfeiffer, Herr Himmighoffen and Herr Zabel, but there may have been more.

Recruiting for the Militia seems to have started in the Autumn of 1854 and continued during the Spring of 1855:
Mon 13 Nov 1854: The Militia: - The Several towns in the County have been on the qui vive, during the past few days, expecting to hear the roll of the drum beating up for volunteers for the Militia. The only commission actually signed is that of the Lieut. Col. Francis McNamara of Ennistymon house, although the principal officers, have, we understand, been decided on.

Thur 21 Dec 1854: The Militia. – Upwards of fifty recruits joined the Clare Militia at Kilrush, on Saturday last.

Mon 1 Jan 1855: The Militia – Notices are posted, calling the volunteers to be trained on the 23rd inst. Considerably more than 300 are enrolled, and no doubt exists that the required complement will be made up at once, now that the Regiment will be permanently embodied.

Thur 18 Jan 1855: The Officers of our regiment of militia have chosen their quarters and formed their mess at Clare Castle. The enrolling is now proceeding daily.

Mon 19 Feb 1855: The Clare Militia beat up with drum and fife in Ennis on Saturday. They got, we understand, eight or nine recruits. Volunteering has already commenced in this really fine and soldier like regiment. They have about half their complement of men present in barrack.

Mon 12 Mar 1855: The Militia. – About 80 of the Clare militia volunteered into the 9th Regt. of the line on Thursday, with Ensign Tymons. Seventy five of them were passed by the medical Inspector. Ensign Tymons will thereby get his commission in the line, and the men the bounty of nine pounds each.
Now here is the first mention of the German Band, with some more mentions following:
Mon 16 Apr 1855: The Militia – On Saturday afternoon the streets of Ennis were enlivened by the martial sounds of the drum and fife preceding the whole body of our County Militia commanded by Lieut. Col. Macnamara and Major Armstrong. Those who had not previously seen this fine and soldierlike body of men under arms, were astonished at the way in which they shouldered the musket and bayonet, and kept time during the march. They drew up in a line, of two deep in front of the College when the new German band of the officers performed some popular airs with great effect. We have heard hopes expressed on every side that the officers will treat the inhabitants of Ennis to a continuation of this musical treat at stated intervals during the stay of the regiment at Clare Barracks.

Thur 19 Apr 1855: The Militia - Our local corps is over five hundred strong, notwithstanding the numerous drafts they have sent into the line. The men are improving daily in appearance and discipline. Twenty six of the most promising are being trained by the German private band of the officers as the regimental band.

Mon 14 May 1855: The Clare Militia Band performed the following selection of Music in an admirable manner, in front of the Court-house on Saturday, under the leadership of Mons. G. Pfeiffer.
1. March – “Camp” – Himmighoffen – Performed by all members of the band.
2. Quadrille – “Dromoland” – Pfeiffer – Dedicated to Lady O’Brien.
3. Selection – “Ernani” – Verdi, “Grassfurstin” – Frotow.
4. Polka – “May Flower” – Pfeiffer
5. Waltzes – “Rosen Knospen” – Himmighoffen.
6. (by desire) German Air – ‘Der Trompeter’ – Speyer.
7. Quadrille – “The Bay of Dublin” – Guernsey – Composed of Irish National Melodies.
8. Gallop – “Ennis Ladies” – Zabel.
“God Save the Queen” which was performed by all of Members of the Clare Militia Band.

Mon 21 May 1855: Clare Militia, - On Saturday the whole of the Militia under the command of Lieut. Col Macnamara mustered on the drill ground convenient to Clare, and fired three rounds in honour of the Queen’s Birthday in an admirable manner and gave the usual cheers. The corps were in first-rate condition, and appeared notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather to great advantage. During the week 26 men have volunteered into the line, forming the quota required by the Horse Guards.

Mon 28 May 1855: [Advertisment] Grand Evening Concert on Brass and String Instruments, under the patronage of the Officers of the Clare Militia and Leading Families of the County, to be performed by The Celebrated German Band, including Herr Anggel, Behdau, Bergamin Himmighoffen, Kuruz, and Zabel, late members of the Crystal Palace Band, and under the Leadership of Herr Gustav Pfeiffer, on Monday Evening next, the 28th of May, at the New Court House, Ennis. The above Band will perform some of the most popular and best selections of music, including Herr Pfeiffer’s Solo Performance on the Violin, as performed by him with great success before the King of Prussia and the Elite of Germany and England.
The Programme will be announced in the bills. Tickets at the prices of Front Seats 5s, Second seats 3s, Gallery 1s 6d, will be had at Miss Greene’s Church street, and Miss Butler’s Highstreet. Doors open at half-past Seven, to Commence at Eight o’Clock.

Mon 28 May 1855: The Ball of the Clare Militia:
Last Friday evening will be long rememberd by those, who as guests or spectators formed part of the glittering throng which filled the halls and rooms of our noble Court-house, on the occasion of the Ball given by the Officers of the 94th Clare Regiment of Militia. The entrance hall was filled with evergreens and hot house plants – the staircases were decorated with evergreens and military emblems while the corridors displayed a variety of flags, intermingled with swords, laurel, bay, and artificial flowers. The Grand Jury room, was of course the principal point of attraction and justified the anticipation of the anxious and delighted visitors, round the walls were hung in tasteful profusion artificial flowers, woven into verdant foliage, surrounding and supporting various military emblems, composed with considerable ingenuity of bayonets, swords, muskets, and a variety of flags, ensigns, &c. The company began to arrive about a quarter to 10, and by 11 o’clock the ensemble was gorgeous in the extreme, far outstripping any previous of the kind in Ennis. The Officer’s German Band under the direction of Herr Pfeiffer, and Mr. Kelley’s quadrille band were in attendance, and contributed to the general enjoyment of the evening.
Amongst the music performed by the German Band was the celebrated “Dromoland” Quadrille. “Clare Militia” and “Mayflower” polkas composed by Herr Pfeiffer and the “Belles of Clare” gallop by Herr Zabel, members of the Band.
In so large an assemblage, nearly three hundred, we of course could not notice all the company. We, however, add the names of a few who caught our eye.
Lord and Lady Dunboyne, Lord and Lady Clanmorris and Hon. Miss Butler, Sir Lucius and Lady O’Brien, Hon. M. Massy, Admiral and Miss O’Grady, and Miss Weir, Mr. and the Misses Vandeleur, Capt. and Mrs. Butler, Mr. and Mrs. Hodnett, Mr. and Mrs. Sargent, Capt. and Mrs. Creaghe, Madame Lahee, Mr. Westropp, Capt. and Mrs. Mahon and Miss Tymons, Capt. and Mrs. F. Gore, Capt. Patterson, Mrs. and Miss Keane, Mr. Pilkington, Mr. and Mrs. E. and Miss Bannatyne, Mrs. Blair, Miss Studdert (Clonderlaw), Mr. Syms, Mr. Ryding, Mr. Singleton, Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Creagh, Mr. Massy, the Misses Bingham, Mr. Mrs. and Misses Pierce, Mr. Canny and Miss Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. Lysaght, Mrs. Langford, Mrs. and the Misses Vignolles and Miss Stackpoole, Mr. Lawlor, Mr. Bolton, Mrs. and Miss Gabbett, Mr. and Mrs. Tomkins, Mr. Tymons, Miss Mahon, Miss Owen, Mr. H. and Mrs. Green, Mrs. and Miss Lucas, Mr. Davorn, Mr. Studdert, Mr. Brew, Mr. H. Vereker, Mr. Walton, Mrs. Rogers, Mr. E. Studdert, Mr. and Mrs. Trotman, Mr. Mrs. and Miss Studdert, Mr. Mrs and Miss Bolton, Mr. and Mrs. Skerritt, and Miss McMahon, Mr. Hartwood, 17 Regiment, Captain Gough, Tipperary Artillery, Messrs. Arthur, Thompson, and Miss Russell, Misses Graydon, Captain Bayly, Mr. Elmhirst, and Mr. Taylor, 9th Mr. Creagh, and Miss McMahon, Mrs. Kerin, Miss Magrath, Mr. Arthur, Dr. and Miss Healy, Mr. and Mrs. O’Connor, Mr. Robinson, 17th, Mrs. and Miss Boloton, and Miss Fitzgerald, Mr. Nolan, Messrs. Canny, Mr. McMahon, Mr. Keane, Mr. Westropp, Mr. R. Fitzgerald, Mr. Rourke, Mr. Browning, Mr. Wainright Crowe and Miss Crowe, Mr. and Mrs. McMahon, Mr. and Mrs. O’Halloran and Miss Cullinan, Mr. and Mrs. Stackpoole, Mr. and Miss Singleton, Mrs. and Miss Westropp, Miss Tydd, Mr. and Mrs. O’Loghlen, Dr. and Mrs. O’Brien, Mrs. and Miss O’Callaghan, Mr. Mrs and Miss Westropp (Fortanne), and the Misses Martin, Mr. Studdert, Mr. and Miss Carroll (South Hill), Mr. and Mrs. Healy, Mr. and Miss Hunt, Mr. Johns 17th, Mr. Perkin, Mrs. Studdert, Captain and Mrs. Studdert, Miss Waller, Mr. and Mrs. Singleton, (Quinville), Mr. Patterson, Mr. Finch, Mr. Stokes, Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Wilton, Mr. and Miss Sampson, Mrs. Lyons, Mr. Mahony, Mr. Morony, Capt. Roche, Mr. Croker, Mrs. and Misses Studdert, Mrs. Molony, Mr. Dexter, Mr. Butler, Mr. Robert Gabbett, Mr. Richard Studdert, Lieut. Davoren, Mr. and Mrs. Blood, Mr. and Miss Morrice, Dr. and Miss Hehir, Mr. and Mrs. Canny, Mr. T. Boyse, and Miss Canny, Major and Mrs. Cruise, Mr. and Mrs. Wyndham Patterson, Mr. Going, Mrs. Brady, Miss Brady, Miss Brew, Master O’Grady, and Mr. E. Fitzgerald, Mrs and Miss Fitzgerald, Miss Creagh, Mr. G. and Miss Bell, Doctor Cullinan, Mr. and Miss Darcy, Mr. McBeth, Mr. Bunton, Mr. Brew, Dr. and Mrs. Dunne, and Miss Pullan, Miss Gore, Miss Power, Mr. Niland, Mr. Browne, Mr. Warren, Mr. and Mrs. J. Spaight, Mr. and Miss Scott, Mr. and Mrs. Butler, Mr. G. Trousdell, Mr. Creaghe, Miss Creaghe, Capt. O’Callaghan, Mrs. Moreton, Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, Miss Helen Browne, Mr. A. Bannatyne, Mr. and Mrs. J. Mahon, and the Misses Owen, Mr. W. Brew, Mr. and Mrs. B. Morony, and Miss Whitcombe, Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald Blood, Mr. and Miss Morrice, Mrs. Gore (Tyredagh), Mrs. Butler, Mr. Rourke, and Mr. Browning, Mr. M. and Miss Fitzgerald (Sorrell Island), and Miss Massy, Mr. and Mrs. Crowe, Capt. A. Stackpoole, Lieut. Col. Francis Macnamara, Lieut. Mahon, Mr. and Mrs. Molony, Mr. and Mrs. Hynes, Mr. Mrs. and Miss Lahiff, Miss Blacquier, Mr. Fitzgerald, Master Walker, Lieut. Studdert, Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, Miss Monckton, Capt. and Mrs. Gore, Major Armstrong, Mr. Charles Armstrong, Mrs. and Miss Johnston, Mrs. and Miss Clarke, Capt. W. Stacpoole, Mr. and Miss O’Ryan, Capt. Newport, Ensign Grey, Mr. and Mrs. Murray, Mrs. and Miss Smithwick, Mr. and Mrs. Stacpoole, Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy (Kildysart), Mr. Godfrey Parsons, Officers of the 16th Lancers, Royal Artillery, 9th, 17th, 39th and 82 Depots; the Officers of Limerick, Galway, Tipperary, and Waterford, Militias, &c.
The Supper. The large hall was fitted out tastefully as the supper-rooms. The spacious area was set out with every delicacy of the season, prepared under the superintendence of Mr. Murles, the Messmaster of the Regiment, assisted by Mr. Allen, of Dublin. Shortly after one o’clock the company sat down to the entertainment provided for them; everthing was of the most recherché description, to which every justice was done. Dancing was then resumed, and the votaries of Terpsichore manifested their devotion to the nimble-footed deity until six o’clock, when the company reluctantly separated, hoping soon to look on the like again.
We understand that the officers intend giving a pick-nick at Newhall on Thursday.

Mon 11 Jun 1855: The German Band of our regiment of Militia performed the following pieces of music in front of the Courthouse, on Saturday afternoon:
1. March – “Priester” from Norma – Bellini
2. March – “Love Not” – Himminghoffen
3. Quadrille – “Frederick Wilhelm” – Bilse
4. Air – “Bild der Rose” – Reichardt
5.Waltzes – “Elizabeth” – Pfeiffer
6. Polka – “Ennis Ladies” – Pfeiffer
7. March – “Ennistymon” – Zabel - Dedicated to Lieut. Col. Macnamara.
8. Air – “Ihre Augen Sind Zwei Sterne” – Proch
9. Waltzes – “Rosenknospen” – Himminghoffen
10. Gallop – “Ende Gut Alles Gut” – Pfeiffer
11 March – “Annie Laurie” – Pfeiffer
Partant Pour la Syrie – God Save the Queen.
The regular band of the Regiment performed the marches with considerable effect. Their progress is very creditable to their assiduity and to the skill and attention of the
band-master Herr Pfeiffer.

Mon 2 Jul 1855: The Concert - On Thursday evening, the German Band of the Clare Militia, gave their farewell concert in the court house of this town, under the direction of Herr Gustav Pfeiffer. The programme comprised some of the best music of the day. Many pieces drew down repeated bursts of applause. Herr Pfeiffer’s performance on the violin was much admired. A fantasy by Artot, entitled ‘Souvenier de Bellini” was rapturously encored. A solo on the Clarionet by Herr Berga[?]in was marked by a masterly hand. The audience included the leading families of the county, the officers of the Militia, and a respectable number of the middle class. The ladies present, were in the majority of instances, in full dress, and seemed delighted with the treat provided for them. The inhabitants of Ennis and its neighbourhood will miss the gratification afforded by the Germans when the Regiment is removed, as they have by their concerts and open air promenades, done much to encourage a musical taste among the people.

Thur 26 Jul 1855: Presentation of Colours to the Clare Militia. This day, at half-past 12, was appointed for the presentation of Colours to the Clare Militia by Lady Grace Vandeleur. The officers and men are to assemble in the exercise-field near Clare Castle.

Mon 30 Jul 1855: Local Intelligence: The Band of the Clare Militia performed a selection of admired airs in front of the Court-house on Saturday, to a fashionable audience.

Thur 23 Aug 1855: Local Intelligence: Herr Rudolph Zabel, late of the Clare Militia and composer of the “Bells of Clare” Galop, is appointed Bandmaster of the 98th King’s County Rifles.
The Clare Militia was moved to the Curragh, Co. Kildare. It's not clear if the German band accompanied it, but I think it did:
Clare Journal, Thur 23 Aug 1855: The Clare Militia. The Limerick Reporter says, the Clare Militia, under the command of Colonel Mcnamara and Major Armstrong, marched on Monday morning from Clare Castle, at an early hour, on their way to the Curragh of Kildare. They arrived in Limerick at about half-past two o’clock, preceded by the brilliant Kilkenny Fusiliers’ band, by their own band, and by the drums and fifes of the Provisional Battalion, and accompanied by thousands of the citizens, and were billeted in the usual way. This morning they were assembled at seven o’clock, and at ten they proceeded to the terminus of the Waterford and Limerick Railway, where, under the immediate superintendence of W. L. Payne, Esq., the superintendent, ably assisted by D. O’Brien, Esq., the station-master, a special train, consisting of 20 carriages, 8 wagons and one horse-box, was in readiness, to take them and their baggage to the Curragh. There were in all 450 men, 30 officers, 32 women and 30 children.
A Correspondent [italics] describes the reception of the Clare Militia in Limerick as most enthusiastic. The streets were lined with the crowds assembled to witness the “Brave Sons of Clare.” From the windows along the line of march the ladies waved their handkerchiefs, as our county regiment marched by to the spirit-stirring air of “Garryowen.” On yesterday morning, on the departure of the special train, with the Clare Militia, Martin Griffin, railway policeman, doing duty at the risk of his own life saved that of a poor man who was near being run over with the engine whilst being at the terminus to see off his son with his regiment.
The Limerick Chronicle gives further particulars. It says that at the Wellesley Bridge the Regiment was met by a crowd of the citizens, who cheered them enthusiastically. The fifes and drums of the Provisional Battalion here also played and accompanied them to the Artillery Barracks, where having been formed into line, the Regiment was inspected by Major-General Sir James Chatterton, K.H., who was received with the usual honours, the men presenting arms, and the band playing the national anthem. The gallant general having minutely examined the different ranks in their military appointments, several movements were performed creditably and steadily, notwithstanding the men were after the disadvantage of a 20 miles march on a summer’s day. Sir James Chatterton was well pleased, and congratulated Lieut. Colonel McNamara and Major Armstrong on the clean, steady, and soldierlike appearance of the Regt. Not a man had the least sign of having tasted spirituous liquor on the whole line of march. After the inspection the officers were entertained at lunch by the officers of the Kilkenny Fusiliers, and in the evening at dinner by the officers of the Depot Battalion. This morning, at nine, the Regt. was mustered in the square of the Artillery Barracks, from which they marched to the railway station, preceded by two bands, and took their departure by special train for the Curragh at ten o’clock, cheering heartily themselves, and loudly cheered by an immense crowd of spectators.
The Clare Militia (now in the Curragh, Co. Kildare) was replaced in Clare Castle and Ennis by the Longford Rifles:
Mon 10 Sep 1855: Two Companies of the Longford Rifles marched from Clare Castle, to the Fever Hospital Barracks, on Saturday; the remainder are expected today – the recruits only will be left at Clare.
The depot of the Clare militia under Captain Butler, marched this morning en route to the Curragh.
We are given to understand that the reason the Longford Rifles have deserted Clare Castle is in consequence of Lieutenant-Colonel Musters reporting against it.

Mon 1 Oct 1855: Local Intelligence. The Clare Militia Band is acquiring great popularity at the Curragh – being selected from the numourous Regiments for the various balls and fetes constantly taking place.
The Clare Militia was moved from the Curragh to Newport, Wales:
Thur 13 Dec 1855: The Clare Regiment of Militia left Dublin on Tuesday, under Lieut. Col. Macnamara, for Newport, Monmouthshire.

Mon 25 Feb 1856: Local Intelligence: The Clare Militia gave 115 volunteers to the line last week at Newport. Col. Vandeleur has recommended Lieut. C. Keane for a commission in the line.
In May 1856, the war was over, and Militia was disembodied (disbanded). At the end of the month the Longford Rifles departed Ennis. It seems this regiment had its own band and bandmaster:
Mon 26 May 1856: Departure of the Longford Militia. The divisions of the Royal Longford Rifles, stationed in Ennis, marched this morning to Gort, en route to Longford. The Head Quarters, stationed at Clare Castle, leave on Wednesday. A great number of the townspeople accompanied the Regiment out of town, and wished them “good luck.” During the past six months the conduct of the Rifles has been very exemplary; indeed their conduct, on the whole, since their arrival, has been fully equal, if not superior, to that of many Regiments of the Line. Certainly, during the volunteering, some excesses were committed, which we felt called upon to notice at the time; that, however, did not affect the general character of the Regiment who came to Ennis, where strong prejudice existed against them, in consequence of the conduct of the former Longford Militia, when stationed in Clare some half century ago. Notwithstanding these disadvantages, the officers and men have gained the good will of the townspeople, and, we believe, have no cause to regret their sojourn amongst us. The detachment was accompanied through the town by the excellent Band of the Regiement.
On Saturday the Band played the following selection of music, arranged by Mr. C. Wicks, the Bandmaster, in front of the Courthouse, to a fashionable assembly:
1. Partant pout la Syrie.
2. Waltzer “German.”
3. The Arlington Polka.
4. Quadrilles, the Duke of Lancasters own.
5. Bridal Waltz.
6. Quick Step, the Daughter of Israel.
7. The Royal Longford Scottische.
8. Favorite Galop.
9. God Save the Queen.
The Clare Militia returned to Clare Castle:
Thur 5 Jun 1856: The Militia: The Calypso steamer is engaged for the conveyance of the Clare Militia from Newport to Dublin, and the 2nd Somerset from Dublin to Bristol, each in two divisions; the first division of the Clare Militia to embark at Newport on 5th June.

Thur 19 Jun 1856: Our County Militia: On Tuesday the entire Regiment of our County Militia, under the command of Lieut. Colonel Mcnamara, and headed by their excellent band, and no less excellent drums and fifes, marched through Ennis, in review order, to the Courthouse, where they piled arms, and the band performed a selection of martial and select music to a numerous and fashionable assembly. After an absence of ten months, it was natural that a little anxiety should be manifested to see Clare boys, after their sojourn at the Curragh and in Wales; and immediately it was known that the entire of the Regiment had arrived at Clare Castle, a change in the weather was hoped for, so that the Regiment could be enabled to march into the County Town. Tuesday was the first really fine day, and shortly after three o’clock the loud cheers and the inspiriting strains of the brass band gave notice of their approach. Business was by one accord suspended, and the streets and the windows of the houses were filled by admiring thousands, as the Regiment defiled past. The soldier-like manly tread of the men, the splendid new uniforms of the band, under Herr Pfeiffer, created a feeling of delight and astonishment, at first silently expressed, but which at last found vent in prolonged cheering. It is impossible to depict the almost enthusiastic scene, and the gallant Colonel must have been proud of the Regiment on which he and the Officers have bestowed such unremitting attention since their embodiment. [the report continues on to praise the bravery of the Clare Militia – overly much, I think, given that they went no further than Newport, Wales].
The Band of the Clare Militia gave a performance in front of the Court house on the 25th June. Was that the last performance, and did Herr Pfeiffer then leave Ennis?

Sheila

Sduddy
Posts: 1826
Joined: Sun Sep 26, 2010 10:07 am

Re: Herr Pfeiffer’s German Band in Clare 1855-1856

Post by Sduddy » Thu Nov 12, 2020 11:13 am

I’ve found that Herr Pfeiffer died in 1869, aged only 41.
The Bristol Times and Mirror of Mon 6 Sep 1869 reported his death and funeral:
Funeral of Herr Pfeiffer. The funeral of the late Herr Pfeiffer, whose sudden death last week spread a deep gloom throughout the musical profession in this city, took place on Saturday afternoon, from the residence of his father-in-law, Mr. Schubert, of Horfield, with whom the deceased and his motherless family have been of late living. Shortly after three o’clock, on the hearse and mourning coaches reaching the top of Stoke’s-croft, a military procession was formed, in the following order: - Forty of the band of the Bristol Volunteer Rifles, under Drum-Major Hutchinson and Bandmaster U. Richardson, playing the “Dead March in Saul; ” [a long description of the funeral procession]. The Artillery and drum and fife bands marched in perfect silence, their instruments being bound with crape, pieces of which were tied round the left arms of the Rifle band and the Artillerymen, and as the procession moved slowly through the city, to the solemn strains of the “Dead March,” the effect was peculiarly and mournfully impressive. Every street was lined on either side with crowds of citizens, anxious to testify their sense of the worth of the deceased, whose good qualities had endeared him to all with whom he came in contact, and on every hand were heard expressions of the deepest regret for his early death. [description of the route taken to the Arno’s-vale Cemetery]
The deceased, Gustav Carl Pfeiffer, was the son of a town musical director, at Luckenwalde, in Brandenburg, and from his early youth his father made him work hard at his profession, by which means, no doubt, he acquired that routine and efficiency for which he was so well known. In 1849 he was in the band of the Kaiser Franz Guards, in Berlin, and occasionally one of the first violins in the celebrated Kroll’s Establishment. He shortly afterwards was bandmaster to a regiment stationed in Breslau, and early in May, 1854, he was engaged by Herr Schallen at the Crystal Palace, London, becoming sub-conductor there in the autumn of the same year. In 1855 Mr. Henry Distin sent him as bandmaster to the 19th Regiment, but in the following year it was ordered abroad, and he accepted a similar position to the Clare Militia, after which he took management of the Monmouthshire Rifle band, at Newport, besides many others in the neighbourhood. Here he remained till 1862, when he assumed the post of bandmaster and conductor of the Artillery Volunteer band in this city, which he retained until his death. In 1864, his wife died during her confinement, leaving four little children; and from that time Herr Pfeiffer was a broken man; he never rallied from the shock, and died at the early age of 41. Having been ill so many years – since 1864 – it is understood that his three young children are left quite unprovided for, and it is intended that steps shall be taken by which an opportunity will be afforded to his friends and the public of practically expressing their regard for his memory.
The news of Herr Pfeiffer’s death was not reported in Clare, it seems:
The Clare Freeman and Ennis Gazette, Sat 14 Jan 1871: On Saturday the Staff of the Clare Militia again “beat up” for recruits. The performance of the fife and drum band reflects as much credit on the Adjutant and non-commissioned officers as did the splendid brass band, which was the pride of the Curragh and the gallant 94th when last embodied. The very appearance of the Staff on Saturday recalled the pleasures we enjoyed in the days of Herr Pfeiffer and his colleagues. By-the-way, has the Herr been summoned back to Fatherland? The last we heard of him was as Band-master to some English Volunteer Corps.
Sheila

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