Another obituary for August Utermohlen

Here is a translation of this obituary:

"Yet again a musician has left us. The man whose name is placed above, was taken away from his family by an unwished-for death at the age of nearly 75. Those who had the privilege of being acquainted with him will know what a serious artist and at the same time what a noble person Mr. Utermohlen was. Always modest in his manner, he was a man who always faithfully served the art that he loved so much, and who was the person least interested in tooting his own horn.

This sympathetic musician was also known by many in this town [Enkhuizen], and many times he also was interested in the musical life of this town. That is why the undersigned found it not unsuitable to write a few lines in this newspaper in memory of this highly esteemed colleague and faithful friend.

Heinrich Friedrich August Utermohlen was born on the 11th of June in Nienburg, Germany. After working a while in Oldenburg, he came to our country (date and place unknown to me) and on the 26th of June 1826 [sic] he was named Director of the "Sappho" group in Hoorn, a men's chorus with which he won many a prize. At the same time he was Organist in the Great Church, 'Kapelmeester' of the Guards, Director of the City Music School, and Teacher in the National Normal School, all of which responsibilities he laid aside at age 70, to enjoy a little rest, which sadly was not to last very long. The rest was really only relative, because until his death he was attached to musical life. He placed great importance in establishing a "Sappho Soloist Fund", and at a very advanced age he took a position as an alto violinist in a string quartet. For the above-named fund, he arranged a concert last winter, at which I had the pleasure of hearing him interpret Beethoven's 1st Piano Concerto in a wondrous manner. His great modesty was the reason that he seldom played as a soloist, but those who heard him interpret the works of the classical masters either as an organist or as a pianist - that was Utermohlen's daily bread - must have recognized what a serious artist he was.

Utermohlen was also respected and prized as a teacher, and the many oustanding powerhouses that he helped to form are the clearest sign that he was an industrious and talented in this area as well. His pupils shall undoubtedly assure that the name of their teacher will always be held in high honor.

Thus death brought to an end this busy life. This important man will live forth in the thoughts of his numerous friends, former pupils and colleagues and his work will always be remembered. These thoughts go out to his deeply bereaved wife and children.

May he rest in peace!

R.G. Crevecoeur
Enkhuizen, June 1st, 1904."

Note that R.G. Crevecoeur was organist in Enkhuizen and a very dear friend of August.