13. Oberleinther’s Palace I

13. Oberleinther’s Palace I

Gen. Svobody 2

The Oberleithner family was among the most important business families in Šumperk and commissioned several luxurious houses to be built in the newly developing suburbs. In 1831, a Classicist building was erected on the site of a former hospital. It served as a family home and business headquarters that represented the flourishing textile company. The design was probably created by Ignác Richter.

However, the family members were not only successful business owners -- they also had an artistic side. In his free time, Karl Oberleithner revelled in his passion for music. He was the choirmaster of Šumperk’s orchestra and a talented composer of popular pieces, which he performed under the stage name Carlo Nero. His son Max inherited his father’s love for music. He received a musical education and became a composer and conductor. Although he possessed more determination than talent, he still managed to perform several of his pieces in opera houses across Europe. However, the obligations of the family business kept him in his native town.