Ernst Toch (1887–1964) was a prolific composer and significant figure in the classical music world, whose journey reflected the turbulent shifts of the 20th century. Born in Vienna, Austria, Toch showed early promise in music but initially studied medicine and served in World War I. His passion for composition could not be contained, however, and he soon emerged as a leading composer within the modernist movement in Germany, gaining prominence during the 1920s and early 1930s. His works from this period included chamber music, symphonies, choral compositions, and operas, with a style marked by expressive melodicism and intricate structures.

Yet, Toch's rising career in Europe was abruptly disrupted by the rise of the Nazi regime, which deemed his music "degenerate" because of his Jewish heritage. This led Toch to flee Germany, first to Paris and London, and eventually to the United States in 1935. In America, he struggled to regain his former status but continued to compose. His output in the US was diverse, encompassing film scores, symphonies like Symphonies 2 & 3, chamber music exemplified by his Violin Sonata No. 1, Cello Sonata, and String Trio, and a variety of works featuring piano such as "Toch: Solo Piano Pieces" and "Toch: Piano Quintet / Violin Sonata No. 2 / Burlesken / 3 Impromptus." Despite being less known today, Toch's oeuvre reflects the depth and resilience of a composer who weathered personal and political upheaval, leaving behind a rich legacy that continued to be celebrated through posthumous releases of his work.

Genres

Austro-german Modernism

Early Modern Classical

Latest Release

Symphonies 2 & 3

Ernst Toch•

Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin

Album - 7 Tracks - Released March 23, 2023