Born on February 17, 1926, in Vienna, Austria, Friedrich Cerha is a prominent composer, conductor, and educator whose contributions to the music world span over half a century. As a key figure in post-war Austrian music, Cerha’s compositions are characterized by their exploration of serialism, aleatory techniques, and later adoption of a more expressionist style. He is also respected for completing the third act of Alban Berg's opera "Lulu," an endeavor that significantly impacted 20th-century opera repertoire.

Friedrich Cerha's broad oeuvre encapsulates orchestral works, chamber music, and vocal compositions that reflect his profound understanding of musical form and texture. His notable works include "Saxophonquartett IV" which showcases his talent for crafting intricate chamber music, and "Keintate I, II," exemplifying his diverse vocal writing. His "4 Hölderlin-Fragmente" delve into the marriage of poetry and music, while "Eine Letzte Art Chansons" highlights his versatility and command of the chanson form. Not only a creator but also an interpreter, Cerha's releases like "Wellesz: The Sacrifice of the Prisoner, Op. 40 (Live)" reveal his adeptness as a conductor, bringing to life the works of other composers such as Egon Wellesz and Edgard Varèse with both precision and passion. Friedrich Cerha continues to be an influential figure in classical contemporary music, leaving a legacy through both his compositions and his invaluable contributions as an educator and mentor to emerging composers.

Genres

Austrian Contemporary Classical

Avant-garde

Contemporary Classical

Latest Release

Saxophonquartett IV

Friedrich Cerha

Single - Released November 3, 2023