Editing Max Bruch (section)

== Early life and education ==
Max Bruch was born in 1838 in [[Cologne]] to Wilhelmine ({{Nee|Almenräder}}), a singer, and August Carl Friedrich Bruch, an attorney who became vice president of the Cologne police. Max had a sister, Mathilde ("Till").{{sfn|Fifield|2005|p=15}} He received his early musical training under the composer and pianist [[Ferdinand Hiller]], to whom [[Robert Schumann]] dedicated his [[Piano Concerto (Schumann)|Piano Concerto in A minor]]. The [[Bohemia]]n composer and piano virtuoso [[Ignaz Moscheles]] recognized the aptitude of Bruch.{{sfn|Fifield|2005|p=25}}

At the age of nine, Bruch wrote his first composition, a song for his mother's birthday. From then on, music was his passion. His studies were enthusiastically supported by his parents. He wrote many minor early works including motets, psalm settings, piano pieces, violin sonatas, a string quartet, and even orchestral works such as the prelude to a planned opera, ''Joan of Arc''. Few of these early works have survived, and the whereabouts of most of his surviving compositions are unknown.{{cn|date=October 2023}}

The first music theory lesson he had was in 1849 in [[Bonn]]. It was given by Professor [[Heinrich Carl Breidenstein]], a friend of his father's. At this time, Bruch was staying at an estate in [[Bergisch Gladbach]], where he wrote much of his music. The farm belonged to an attorney and notary named Neissen, who lived there with his unmarried sister. Later, the estate was bought by the Zanders family, who owned a large [[paper mill]]. In later years, {{Ill|Maria Zanders|de||lt=|WD=}} became a friend and patron to Bruch.{{sfn|Fifield|2005|p=98}}

The young Bruch was taught French and English conversation by his father, who was very wealthy.