Maximilian Pilzer

Maximilian Pilzer (February 26, 1890 – May 30, 1958) was a conductor and violinist.^[1][2] He was concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic orchestra from 1915 to 1917.^[3] On May 30, 1958, Pilzer was conducting the annual Naumburg Memorial Concert, at New York City's Central Park, before thousands of spectators and a live radio audience. According to The New York Times "Mr. Pilzer was conducting Johann Strauss's gay overture to Die Fledermaus when he fell backward. His head struck the edge of the stage, where there is a strip of concrete." Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, and Pilzer was pronounced dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.^[1]

Maximilian Pilzer in 1917

Photo for a book explaining the instruments of the symphony orchestra as concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic

References

1. "Conductor Dies At Park Concert. Pilzer Collapses on Podium on Mall and Hits Head as Thousands Watch". New York Times. May 31, 1958. Retrieved 2015-04-11.
2. "Maximilian Pilzer at Violin Mastery". nlib.org.ua. Retrieved 2017-11-07.
3. Anne Mischakoff Heiles, America’s Concertmasters (Sterling Heights, MI: Harmonie Park Press, 2007)