From the Archives - The Brilliant Pianist
Willie Walter Erich John, known as Erich John, was born in Berlin on 26 June 1893. The family left the port of Antwerp on the steamer Prinz Regent Luitpold when Erich was 17 and arrived in Sydney on 1 July 1910 as third-class passengers. Erich was accompanied by his father Wilhelm (45), mother Helene (42) and his sisters Elly (12) and Erna (14). The family made their way to Brisbane where they settled at ‘St Clair’ in Bower Street, Annerley.
Erich was very well known around Brisbane and was frequently advertised as ‘The Brilliant Pianist’, having trained in Berlin before immigrating to Australia. From the time Erich arrived in Brisbane he was involved in organising and performing in many orchestras and concerts as an organist, pianoforte soloist, composer and conductor. By 1918 he had already written and copyrighted several pieces of music to support the war effort in World War 1. Erich also wrote the music for the delightful comic opera ’The Stenographer Girl’ which commenced its season on 31 July 1915 in Rickards’ Tivoli Theatre. The Opera was performed by the Brisbane Patriotic Comic Opera Company ‘In aid of the Boys’ and to ‘Help the Wounded’. During this time Erich also wrote ‘Australia Pride of the Empire’ in 1915 and ‘Austral Heroes’ in 1918 to assist with the war effort.
In January 1918, the Catholic Advocate initiated a musical corner so that local readers could ask musical questions from the now well-known Herr Erich John. It is within this article that Erich lists his profession as Musical Director, Solo Pianist, Composer, Teacher of Music and Music Master St Laurence’s College. One of the College's earliest images is of Erich John and the St Laurence’s Boys Choir when they sang at the last Queensland Radio News Concert in the early 1920s.
The length of Erich's tenure as Lauries Music Master is undocumented however research through the National Archives has uncovered a Concert Program from the 1930s when Erich conducted the Sacred Concert and Br Foley was College Principal (1930-1935). This confirms that Erich was Music Master at St Laurence's College for at least 15 years.
His father Wilhelm, a tailor, received his naturalisation papers on 8 May 1914, only 4 years after the family arrived in Australia. Erich applied for, and received, his naturalisation papers and made his Oath of Allegiance to Australia on 23 March 1928. He was described in his papers as 34 years old, 5ft and 2 inches tall with dark hair and grey eyes. His character reference at the time was signed by Mr W D Veal, Superintendent for the Temperance and General Assurance Co.
In 1927, Erich John advertised his availability to tutor students at his personal studio in Bible House, 108 George Street Brisbane in the Brisbane Courier.
On 21 June 1937, Erich married Miss Dorothy ‘Bobby’ Watt at St Andrews Church and the couple was blessed with three children David 1941, Suzanne 1943 and Anthony 1952.
Throughout his career Erich was involved in numerous musical associations including the Brisbane Repertory Theatre Society Orchestra and the YMCA Orchestra. He performed concerts and composed the music for numerous productions and conducted orchestras including the Erich John Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to his musical talents, Erich was also a great artist – a gift he passed onto his son Anthony.
A true musician at heart, Erich continued playing piano into his 90s. Erich passed away on 25 May 1988 having spent his lifetime living his passion, entertaining and teaching music to so many in Brisbane.
Erich instilled a passion and love of music in the early days at St Laurence's College and this still runs through the veins of our community with over 950 boys involved in Choirs, Bands and Orchestras, the largest involvement in any activity at the College.
The College Big Brotherhood Choir has recorded 'Australia Pride of the Empire' so we can all enjoy the music composed by our first Music Master – The Brilliant Pianist Erich John.
We thank the John Family, the St Laurence’s College Music Department and Big Brotherhood Choir for bringing to life the music of Erich.
