Emilie Zumsteeg

Emilie Zumsteeg (December 9, 1796 – August 1, 1857) was a German choir conductor, songwriter, singer, composer, and pianist. She was born and lived her whole life in Stuttgart. One of seven children, she was born to Luise Andreä Zumsteeg (1760-1837) and composer Johann Rudolf Zumsteeg (1760-1802). Her father, who was one of the most successful composers of the day, died when Emilie was just six years old. While her father was now no longer in her life, her mother ran a music store which maintained Emilie's musical interest. As a child she studied the piano with Schlick and theory with Wilhelm Sutor. She showed a facility at sight-reading and while gifted with a fine alto voice, she soon began singing and performing on the piano at the Stuttgart Museumskonzerte. As an adult she cultivated a circle of talented musicians, and leading poets. The literary ties reflected her interest in the Lied, which formed the basis of her creative reputation.