Julius Klengel

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Julius Klengel (1859–1933) was a cellist who is most famous for his etudes and solo pieces written for the instrument.

Born in Leipzig the son of a lawyer, Klengel studied with Emil Hegar in his youth. After his 15th birthday, Klengel joined the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and began touring Europe and Russia. Klengel also became a soloist at that point, frequently giving solo performances.

Klengel rose to become principal cellist of the orchestra in 1881, where he remained for over four decades. During that time period, Klengel became professor at the Leipzig Conservatory, and began composing. He ultimately composed hundreds of pieces for the cello, including four violoncello concertos, 2 double cello concertos, cello quartets, a cello sonata, as well as numerous caprices, etudes and other technical pieces.

Klengel's pupils included Emanuel Feuermann, Guilhermina Suggia, Paul Grümmer, Gregor Piatigorsky and William Pleeth. He died in October of 1933 in his hometown of Leipzig.