Franz Schmidt

Franz Schmidt was an Austrian composer, cellist, and pianist, born in 1874 in Bratislava (then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire). A prominent figure of the late-Romantic era, Schmidt studied at the Vienna Conservatory and later became a professor there, influencing generations of musicians. He's best known for his richly orchestrated symphonies, especially his Fourth Symphony, considered one of his masterpieces, as well as his operas, chamber music, and organ works.

Schmidt was also an accomplished cellist — he was part of the Vienna Court Opera Orchestra under Gustav Mahler — and wrote extensively for his own instrument. His music blends lush late-Romantic harmonies with clear formal structures, earning the admiration of both audiences and performers. Though not always in the mainstream of 20th-century classical music, interest in his work has seen a revival in recent years, particularly for his symphonic and organ compositions.

Genres

Chamber Music

Related Artists

Gustav Mahler

Richard Strauss

Max Reger

Anton Bruckner

Arnold Schoenberg

Erich Wolfgang Korngold

Wilhelm Furtwängler

Camille Saint-Saëns

Josef Suk

Jean Sibelius

César Franck

Béla Bartók

Latest Release

Schmidt: Organ Works

Franz Schmidt

Album - 19 Tracks - Released April 4, 2025