Role

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Composer Conductor Performer

Birth

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1935

 

Herbert Paulmichl was a renowned classical music composer born on January 22, 1935, in the small town of St. Lorenzen in South Tyrol, Italy. He was the youngest of six children in a family of farmers. His father was a self-taught musician who played the accordion, and his mother was a singer in the local church choir. From a young age, Paulmichl showed a keen interest in music, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion. Paulmichl's musical education began at the age of six when he started taking accordion lessons from his father. He quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument and began performing at local events and festivals. At the age of 12, he started taking piano lessons and began composing his own music. He was also a talented singer and joined the local church choir. In 1953, Paulmichl moved to Innsbruck, Austria, to study music at the Mozarteum University. He studied composition with the renowned Austrian composer Karl Schiske and piano with the pianist and composer Paul Badura-Skoda. During his time at the Mozarteum, Paulmichl composed several works, including his first symphony, which was performed by the Mozarteum Orchestra. After completing his studies, Paulmichl returned to South Tyrol and began working as a music teacher. He also continued to compose and perform his own music. In 1962, he won first prize in a national composition competition for his work "Sinfonia Brevis." This success led to commissions for several other works, including his second symphony, which was premiered by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra in 1965. Throughout his career, Paulmichl composed a wide range of works, including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and choral music. His music was characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and use of folk music elements from his native South Tyrol. He was also known for his use of unconventional instruments, such as the alpine horn and the zither. One of Paulmichl's most famous works is his "Alpine Symphony," which was composed in 1975. The work is a musical depiction of a day in the life of the South Tyrolean Alps, from the early morning mist to the thundering storms in the afternoon. The work features a large orchestra, including the alpine horn and the zither, and has become a staple of the classical music repertoire. Another notable work by Paulmichl is his "Concerto for Alphorn and Orchestra," which was composed in 1982. The work features the alpine horn as the solo instrument and is a tribute to the traditional music of the South Tyrolean Alps. The concerto has been performed by many of the world's leading orchestras and has become a favorite of audiences around the world. In addition to his work as a composer, Paulmichl was also a respected music educator. He taught at the music school in Bruneck, South Tyrol, for many years and was a mentor to many young musicians. He was also a frequent guest lecturer at universities and music schools throughout Europe. Paulmichl's contributions to classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1995, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for his contributions to music. He was also awarded the Tyrolean State Prize for Art in 2000 and the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art in 2005. Herbert Paulmichl passed away on December 28, 2015, at the age of 80. His legacy as a composer and educator continues to inspire musicians around the world.

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