Manns, August Friedrich, Sir, 1825-1907

b. nr. Stettin 1825; d Norwood, nr. London, 1907

Military bandsman and composer of dance music.
Conductor at Crystal Palace 1855-1901, Knighted in 1903

On 12 November 1890 in his capacity as Musical Director of the Crystal Palace, London and Conductor of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Orchestral Concerts, he wrote from London to Frederick Niecks, "My dear Sir, Have you seen it announced that Sir Herbert Oakeley has decided to retire from the Chair of Music in the University of Edinburgh?  I hereby draw your attention to this very important vacancy in hopes that you will offer yourself as Sir Herbert's successor, and that the authorities of the University will confer a great benefit on their institution and the Musical Art in Scotland by confiding the duties of the chair of Music to your care, for I know of no musician in England (Great Britain, I should say) who could, as a practical musician, as well as an authority on the scientific part of the musical art, fill the Chair of Music in the University of Edinburgh more efficiently than your rare gifts and superior culture would enable you to do - With best wishes, I am yours very sincerely, August Manns  (published in book of Testimonials in favour of Frederick Niecks, p. 20)

• August Manns