Lost in the Tiergarten, have you found this serene spot. It is where the Albert Lortzing Monument Statue stands. Here, we celebrate a man of music and mirth. Albert Lortzing was no ordinary composer. He was a master of the German Spieloper. Think of it as a more playful, German version of French comic opera.
Lortzing’s journey began in Berlin. Born in 1801, Gustav Albert Lortzing didn’t inherit a life of musical privilege. His parents were itinerant actors. They traveled Germany with their own theatre company. From a young age, Lortzing was immersed in the world of performance. At 12, he entertained audiences with comic poems.
The Albert Lortzing Monument Statue before you is a testament to his enduring popularity. Sculptor Gustav Eberlein captured Lortzing in his time’s attire. He wears a waistcoat and coat. In his right hand, he holds a quill. His left presents a stack of papers. These papers are meant to be seen as music sheets. A tree stump supports him. It is partially covered by his draped coat.
Look closer at the statue’s base. Five figures surround the composer. These are not mere decorations. Each putto represents one of Lortzing’s major works. See the blacksmith with his hammer. He symbolizes “Der Waffenschmied.” Next is Bacchus with keys and a goblet. He is from the opera “Undine.” A mayor stands in the center. He has a chain, wig, and ceremonial staff. He is from “Zar und Zimmermann.” To his right, a putto has a pen behind his ear. His finger touches his mouth. He represents “Der Wildschütz”. Finally, there’s a student with cap and sword.
The Albert Lortzing Monument Statue was unveiled on Lortzing’s 105th birthday in 1906. The project was initiated by Georg Richard K. A. Kruse. Kruse was a writer, composer, and founder of the Berlin Lessing-Museum. Kaiser Wilhelm II himself chose Eberlein’s design.
The statue has seen its share of history. In 2002, the right hand holding the pen was recreated by Hans Starcke. The original had been lost. Professor Rolf Grimm advised on the reconstruction.
Notice the inscriptions. “LORTZING” is carved on the front of the base. On the right side of the plinth, you can see “G. EBERLEIN.” This marks the sculptor’s signature. The Albert Lortzing Monument Statue is made of marble. It stands complete. It has undergone several restorations.
Lortzing’s operas often faced censorship. “Zar und Zimmermann” was initially unpopular in Leipzig. However, it became a hit in Berlin. It soon spread across German stages. It tells the story of Tsar Peter I. He traveled Europe disguised as a carpenter. He sought knowledge for Russia’s progress. “Der Wildschütz” satirizes the bourgeoisie’s obsession with art.
Lortzing’s personal life was not without hardship. He faced dismissal from his Kapellmeister position. He even had to work as a touring actor to support his large family. Yet, his music remained popular.
Lortzing died in 1851. Luminaries like Giacomo Meyerbeer attended his funeral. His colleagues adorned his coffin with black, red, and gold. These were forbidden colors after 1848. A benefit was held for his impoverished family.
So, as you stand before the Albert Lortzing Monument Statue, remember the man. Remember his music. Remember his life. He was a composer who brought laughter and joy to the world.