Albert Mümme, singer, violinist, teacher and patriotic composer in Adelaide around pre-World War I 1900s
Albert Mümme in 1904 with music students from Christian Brothers College, in Wakefield Street, Adelaide, where he taught for 40 years.
Albert Redford Mümme, a prolific Adelaide music teacher, was another of the German-heritage South Australian composers to display overt patriotism – forgotten during the anti-German backlash during World War I.
During fundraising for the South African (Boer) War (1899-1902), Mümme’s song “For the Flag” was popular at the 1000-voice concerts by public and private schools in the exhibition building on North Terrace, Adelaide. He also wrote and performed “The Royal Salute” for the Duke of York’s visit in 1901 and arranged and conducted orchestral works for services at St Peter's and St Francis Xavier's cathedrals celebrating the coronations of Edwards VII (1901) and George V (1910).
Born in Adelaide in 1868 to a German immigrant Heinrich Gustav Friedrich Mümme and Emily (nee Clisby), Mümme’s uncle Carl was an early tenor in the Liedertafel choir (conductor 1886-91) and St Francis Xavier's Cathedral choirmaster for many years. His grandfather on his mother’s side, Redford Clisby opened the first musical instrument warehouse in Adelaide.
Mümme attended the German School in Wakefield Street, Adelaide, began his learning music at six and later studied with Italian teachers: piano and harmony under Signor Giorza and singing under Faustino Ziliani. He added violin study under Signor Francesco Gargaro and the art of graceful bowing studied under Raffaele Squarise. He began composing at 14 when he set music to “Haven of Love ”by D. H. Bottrill. This was bought by Glasgow publishers Kerr and Co.
He worked in a lawyer’s office and the Savings Bank but, by 17, had his first professional music engagement as a violinist and occasional pianist at the Theatre Royal under Squarise. He played in many different orchestras and ensembles. As a singer, he combined with Ziliani and Gargaro as a popular trio. He also became one of Adelaide best-known musicians through his music school and his teaching at public and private schools, including 40 years at Christian Brothers College in Wakefield Street, Adelaide city. Mümme was a close friend of, and played for, Adelaide singer Peter Dawson, who went onto international fame. Mümme died in 1969, aged 101.
