Egon Wellesz (1885–1974) was an Austrian composer, musicologist, and teacher who, during his productive career, made significant contributions to the early 20th-century classical music scene. Born in Vienna, he studied under prominent figures such as Arnold Schoenberg and guided by the vibrant artistic atmosphere of the city, Wellesz developed a compositional style that combined the modernist tendencies of his time with a unique lyrical expression. His extensive oeuvre includes operas, ballets, orchestral works, chamber music, and choral compositions, demonstrating a versatile and profound mastery of various musical forms.

Although Wellesz's music was widely performed in Austria and Germany before World War II, his work faced suppression during the Nazi era because of his Jewish heritage. In 1938, he fled to England, where he continued his academic and compositional pursuits, albeit with less public recognition than he had previously enjoyed. In the posthumous revival of his music, compositions like "Die Bakchantinnen", his nine symphonies, and numerous pieces of chamber music have been rediscovered and recorded, allowing a new audience to appreciate Wellesz's significant contributions to the classical repertoire. His most recent releases reflect a growing interest in his work and showcase a composer whose music bridges the lush complexity of Romanticism and the evocative clarity of modernism.

Genres

Austro-german Modernism

Early Modern Classical

Latest Release

Egon Wellesz: Chamber Music

Egon Wellesz

Album - 19 Tracks - Released February 3, 2023