1. Franz Eckert was a German composer and musician who composed the harmony for Japan's national anthem, "Kimigayo" and the national anthem of the Korean Empire, "Aegukga".
17 Facts About Franz Eckert
1. 2.
Franz Eckert received an appointment to become bandmaster to the Kaiserliche Marine at Wilhelmshaven, where he caught the attention of the Japanese government in 1879.
3.
Franz Eckert was invited to the Empire of Japan as a foreign advisor at the behest of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
4.
Franz Eckert served as director of the Navy Band from 1879 to 1880.
5.
Franz Eckert rearranged the existing anthem per the Gregorian mode for Western instrumentation, making suitable modifications for playability at sea, including a four-part vocal arrangement.
6.
In March 1888, Franz Eckert joined the Department of Classical Music of the Imperial Household Ministry, established the military band of the Imperial Guards, and founded the military band of the Imperial Japanese Army Academy.
7.
Franz Eckert was active in composing ceremonial music for both the Court and for the military, while introducing a variety of Western musical instruments and musical theories on melody and harmony.
8.
Franz Eckert returned to Germany in 1899 due to ill health, and obtained a posting at the Berlin Philharmonic, but was appointed music director to Kaiser Wilhelm II.
9.
Franz Eckert soon had a small court orchestra of two dozen musicians established, which he subsequently built up to 70 members.
10.
The orchestra performed regularly at the court, but played every Thursday in Pagoda Park for the general public and for the Seoul-based expatriate community, during which performances, Franz Eckert took the opportunity to publicize his own compositions, as well as those of Richard Wagner.
11.
Franz Eckert was called upon to supply the harmony for the national anthem of Korea, the Daehan jeguk Aegukga which premiered on 9 September 1902.
12.
On 20 December 1902, Franz Eckert got 3rd Class of Order of the Taeguk.
13.
From 5 April 1902, Franz Eckert was instructor of military band of 1st Siwi Regiment.
14.
Franz Eckert remained in Korea, but in much reduced circumstances due to loss of his royal patrons.
15.
Franz Eckert's situation was complicated by renewed ill health, and the outbreak of World War I and, in 1916, he resigned as conductor of his orchestra in favor of his first flautist, whom he had trained as his successor.
16.
Franz Eckert died in Seoul from stomach cancer at age 65.
17.
Franz Eckert's grave is located at Yanghwajin, Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul.