Georg Capellen

Georg Capellen was born on 1 April 1869 in Salzuflen (Germany). He attended the Gymnasium in his hometown and subsequently studied philosophy and later law at the universities of Berlin, Göttingen, and Tübingen, passing the state examinations in both subjects. During this period, he acquired his knowledge of music theory and composition largely through self-study.
From 1898 to 1900 he served in the civil service of the Principality of Lippe. He subsequently turned to a professional career in music and, from 1906 onward, worked in Osnabrück as a composer, music critic, and music writer. After approximately six years he moved to Cologne and shortly thereafter to Munich. In 1914 he settled in Hanover. Beginning in 1922, he was employed as music editor and critic for the Niederdeutsche Zeitung. Alongside these activities, he published numerous writings on harmony, voice leading, Richard Wagner, and the music of East Asia. His theoretical writings attracted considerable attention; for example, Arnold Schoenberg referred to Capellen and his book "Ein neuer exotischer Musikstil" in his treatise "Harmonielehre".
As a composer, Capellen produced songs, piano music, and arrangements of traditional Asian melodies. Several of his compositions were published by Breitkopf & Härtel, including "Exotische Mollmusik", "Sechs Samoanische Volkslieder", and "Shogaku Shoka".
Georg Capellen died on 19 January 1934 in Hanover (Germany).