William Herman Potstock, known as Wilhelm Hermann, (1872–1908) left an indelible mark as a German-American composer and musician. His masterpiece, "Souvenir De Sarasate," remains a celebrated virtuoso piece, intricately weaving left-hand pizzicato and double stops.

Born in Northern Germany, Potstock migrated to the U.S. in 1881 with his family, settling in Chicago where he carved a niche as a self-employed music teacher and performer. In 1895, he wed Martha Bock, raising two musically gifted children, Stella and Eugene. His daughter, like her father, showcased remarkable musical prowess.

Potstock’s legacy endures through his enduring compositions, notably the evocative "Souvenir de Sarasate: Fantasia Espagnole für Violine und Klavier in D-Dur, Op. 15."

Here is an arrangement for violin and string orchestra.

Photo by Johanna Vogt on Unsplash