“Baltimore’s Dr. Johannes Eltermann”
The following is a translation by Dr. Armin Mruck, who, in June, 1981, had originally
published this article on Dr. Johannes Eltermann in the Washington Journal, based on a
personal interview during the spring of 1981.
Music, God, Religion, Piano, Organ, Symphony, Choral Music. In the beginning
there were vibrations, heavenly harmonies. Life is filled with vibrations. Vibrations
determine our relationship to the exterior world. Thus, one could describe in a very
few words the philosophy of life and the active life of Dr. Johannes Eltermann. And
whoever has only the least to do with the muse music in the Baltimore-Washington
area knows this gentleman with the silver-gray hair. This organist of many churches,
the choral director, the music teacher, the instructor who demands the very best from
his choir and his students, the teacher who does not accept even the least imperfec¬
tions. He does not seem to get older, only slower, so he says. What is it that keeps him
young? It is harmony, vibrations of music, the belief that music is religion as much as
religion is music.
His love for German culture, for German music and songs comes from his parents
who came to Baltimore during the 19th century. At home they only spoke German
English, Johannes learned in school. His father was a tailor. This singing voice fell in
tune with the vibrations of the pedal-foot driven sewing machine. Wife and child joined
in and harmonized their voices with the vibrations of father Eltermann. As a three
year old, Johannes gave his first concert. His father’s singing society celebrated an oc¬
casion during which he lifted Johannes on the stage and had him sing, "Es braust ein
Ruf mit Donnerhall,” a popular pre-World War I patriotic song. But brain fever inter¬
rupted the vibrational flow. But as so often in life, divine intervention seemed to step
in. Soon Johannes returned to the undulations, the waves of music.
Father Eltermann had promised Johannes an organ if he would succeed in making
up for the last year in school. A dedicated teacher helped the young boy to catch up.
Every day after school hours she taught Johannes for one-half hour those things he had
missed. When the young pupil did not only catch up but became number one in his
class, father Eltermann had no choice but to fulfill his promise, and the Christ-child
brought the so ardently desired musical instrument. Nothing could halt Johannes now.
His talent was promoted with enthusiasm. Eminent music docents, including some of
the renowned Peabody Institute, helped him along, including close friends of the fami¬
ly, as i.e., Siegmunds of the hair factory. The docents Mende, White and Aloysius Sche-
nuit were especially influential for the musical development of Dr. Eltermann.
A gifted and industrious music teacher evolved from the music loving young man.
He became a talented instructor, an organist, and a choir director. With affection and
enthusiasm he served the muse music as director of many choirs, as i.e., the St. John s
Choir. The United Singers and the Damenchor of Baltimore, just to name a few. As or¬
ganist, he played in Brown Memorial Church. St. John’s United Church of Christ, the
First English Lutheran Church and others. Still today (early 1981) he plays the organ
in St. John's United Church of Christ and directs choirs in the same church as well as
the United Singers and the Baltimore Damenchor. The waiting lisl of students is as
long as ever. His life's wave length progresses successfully in the so variable vibra¬
tions of the so highly versatile music.
Asked about his favorite composers and compositions. Dr. Eltermann said, that it
was difficult to answer the question, because the treasure was filled with precious
jewels. As organist he, of course, admired Johann Sebastian Bach, who himself came
from generations of musicians. He admires Bach because he has composed for differ¬
ing moods of life, for all situations in life. As modern interpreter of Bach, he highly
respects Albert Schweitzer whom he characterizes as a Christ-like figure of the 20th
century. But he also respects Virgil Fox, who has played the same organ in the same
church in which Dr. Eltermann has played: Brown Memorial. Virgil Fox, so Dr. Elter-
