John Orth, American pianist, organist, and composer, was born in Annweiler, Bavaria on December 2, 1850. When he was only a year old, his parents settled in Taunton, MA. Orth studied organ with his father and then went to Germany where he took courses with Kullak and Deppe (piano). For two summers, Orth had lessons with Franz Liszt. Orth studied composition with Faiszt, Weitzmann, Kiel and P. Scharwenka. In 1875 Orth settled in Boston as a pianist and teacher. Orth taught piano at New England Conservatory from 1883-1885. He was also a staunch advocate for Liszt's music in America, presenting lecture-recitals called "With Liszt in Weimar." Ortjh was a member of the Puddingstone Club. In 1883, he married his pupil Lizette E. Blood, known as L. E. Orth(d. Boston, September 14, 1913), who was herself a composer of songs and piano pieces. Orth published a number of teaching pieces for piano. Orth died on May 3, 1932 in Boston.
-Baker's Biograpical Dictionary of Musicians. Fifth edition. Completely revised by Nicolas Slonimsky. New York: G. Schirmer, 1971.
Physical description
This collection consists of four file folders (and one folder of photocopies) containing only paper materials.
Access
Access to the John Orth collection is granted by the NEC Archivist. Appointments must be scheduled in advance. There are not restrictions pertaining to this collection.
Copyright
All copyrights to this collection belong to the New England Conservatory. Permission to publish materials from this collection is granted by the Director of Libraries. This collection should be cited as the John Orth Collection, New England Conservatory Archives, Boston, MA.