Georges Alexandre Krins

Who was Mr Georges Alexandre Krins?

Mr Georges Alexandre Krins was a talented Belgian violinist and musician who tragically perished aboard the RMS Titanic at the young age of 23 (twenty-three). He was a member of the ship’s band, serving as the bandmaster of the Trio String Orchestra, and played courageously until the very end of the Titanic’s ill-fated maiden voyage.

Early Life and Musical Education

A Prodigy in the Making

Born on March 18, 1889, in Paris, France, Georges Alexandre Krins showed an early aptitude for music. His formal musical journey began at the tender age of 13 (thirteen) when he entered the prestigious Conservatoire Royal de Musique in Liège, Belgium.

• Enrolled on October 30, 1902
• Studied at the conservatory until 1908
• Developed a strong foundation in classical music

The Crossroads of Career Choice

After completing his studies, young Krins found himself at a crossroads:

1. Military Career: Initially, he expressed a desire to pursue a military path.
2. Civilian Life: His parents persuaded him to remain in civilian life, a decision that would ultimately lead him to his fateful appointment on the Titanic.

Professional Musical Journey

Early Career Steps

Following his parents’ advice, Krins began his professional life by:

1. Working in his father’s shop
2. Playing in La Grande Symphonie in Spa, Belgium

Rising Through the Ranks

Krins’ talent and dedication soon led him to more prestigious positions:

1. 1910: Secured a position as first violin at Le Trianon Lyrique in Paris
2. Circa 1910-1912: Moved to London, playing at the renowned Ritz Hotel for two years
3. Early April 1912: Recruited by CW & FN Black in Liverpool to play on the Titanic

The Titanic Appointment

A Prestigious but Fateful Opportunity

In early April 1912, Krins received what must have seemed like the opportunity of a lifetime. He was recruited to play on the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic, the world’s largest and most luxurious ocean liner.

Krins’ Titanic Details:

• Class: 2nd Class
• Ticket Number: 250654
• Cabin: E
• Embarked: Southampton

The Bandmaster of Titanic

At the time of his appointment to the Titanic, Krins held the esteemed position of bandmaster of the Trio String Orchestra, which performed near the Café Français on the ship. This role highlighted his exceptional musical abilities and leadership skills.

The Final Performance

On the fateful night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Krins and his fellow musicians displayed extraordinary courage and professionalism. They continued to play music to calm the passengers, even as the ship was going down.

“The band played on” became a powerful symbol of the Titanic tragedy, representing both the horror and the heroism of that night.

Legacy and Remembrance

Georges Alexandre Krins, along with his fellow musicians, became symbols of bravery and dedication. Their selfless act of continuing to play as the ship sank has been immortalized in books, films, and popular culture.

A Life Cut Short

Tragically, Krins died in the disaster at the young age of 23 (twenty-three). His body, if recovered, was never identified, adding to the poignancy of his story.

Did Krins Leave Any Family Behind?

While specific details about Krins’ family are scarce, we know that his parents were influential in his career choice, steering him away from a military path and towards his musical calling. His last known address in London was 10 Villa Road, Brixton, providing a small glimpse into his life before boarding the Titanic.

Georges Alexandre Krins’ story serves as a poignant reminder of the many talented lives lost in the Titanic disaster. His dedication to music until the very end ensures that his memory lives on, a testament to the power of art in the face of tragedy.