7 August 1849 Carl Linger

Carl Linger, who was born in Berlin in March 1810, arrived in South Australia on 7 august 1849. He had studied music in Germany and had composed several symphonies, two operas, masses and other concert pieces and a number of sacred songs, some dedicated to the Princess Royal of Prussia. On his arrival in South Australia he invested in farming, but was not very successful so sold out and set up as a music teacher. For several years he was leader of the Adelaide Choral Society and one of the founders of the Liedertafel.

He is probably best remembered as the composer of the music of Song of Australia which won a prize of 10 guineas offered by the committee of the Gawler Institute. The words are by Caroline Carlton, who also won 10 guineas, and their song was chosen from 93 competitors. Linger died on 16 February 1862 and was buried in the West Terrace Cemetery where he is remembered every year on Australia Day.

George Loyau, Notable South Australians, Adelaide 1885.