Nikisch

(nik'-ish), Arthur, condr. b. Szent Miklos, Hungary, Oct. 12, 1855. Father bookkeeper to Prince Lich ten stein; very precocious musical ability; appeared as pst. at 8; pupil at Vienna Cons, of De off, Schenner, and Hellmesberger; prizes for vln. playing and sextet; 1874 vlt. in court orch., 1878 2d condr. under A. Neumann at Leipzig Th. and 1882 first condr., attaining great distinction; 1889-93 condr. Boston Symph. Orch.; director and condr. Budapest opera 1893-95; condr. Leipzig Gewandhaus 1895; later, visiting condr. Berlin Philh Hamburg Phuh., and in St. Petersburg; he gained much admiration in Paris and London 1897 and following years as virtuoso condr.; one of first to conduct habitually without score.