The secret of success, as far as those who cater to public amusement is
concerned, is the placing of one’s fingers upon the pulse of the public
and shape one’s methods and manners in accordance with the knowledge
so obtained. Victor Herbert, the composer, has so shaped his career,
and, while his work is more or less identified with the lighter forms
of comic opera, he nevertheless has exhibited unmistakable musical
genius. Mr. Herbert was born in Dublin, Ireland, February 1, 1859, and
is the grandson of Samuel Lever, the author of Handy Andy, and other
Irish novels. He began to study music in Germany when but seven years
of age, and took lessons from a number of masters. While yet a boy,
he was appointed the principal ‘celloist of the court orchestra in
Stuttgart. After more study and a prolonged tour in Europe, he came
to this country as ‘cello soloist of the Metropolitan opera house
orchestra in New York. During his career of almost uninterrupted
professional successes, he has been connected with the Thomas, Seidl
and other orchestras in the capacities of ‘celloist and director. He
has also been bandmaster of the Twenty-second Regiment of the national
guard of the state of New York, and, in 1898, was made conductor of the
Pittsburg (Pennsylvania) orchestra. Among the many comic operas which
he has written are The Wizard of the Nile, The Viceroy and The Idol’s
Eye. He is also the author of a number of orchestral compositions. In
1886 he married Theresa Foerester, a prima donna.