Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

September 15, 1923

Death

:

March 25, 1979

Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Baroque

 

 

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Anton Heiller was a renowned Austrian organist, harpsichordist, and composer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on May 15, 1923, in Vienna, Austria, to a family of musicians. His father was a conductor, and his mother was a pianist. Heiller showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He later switched to the organ and became a prodigy, giving his first public performance at the age of 11. Heiller studied at the Vienna Academy of Music, where he was a student of Joseph Marx and Hans Swarowsky. He also studied with the famous organist and composer, Marcel Dupré, in Paris. Heiller's talent and dedication to music were evident from an early age, and he quickly gained recognition as a virtuoso organist. In 1945, Heiller was appointed as the organist at the Hofburg Chapel in Vienna, a position he held for over 20 years. He also served as the organist at the St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna and the St. Peter's Church in Salzburg. Heiller's performances were highly acclaimed, and he became known for his technical skill and musical interpretation. Heiller was also a prolific composer, and his works include organ and harpsichord music, as well as choral and orchestral pieces. He was particularly interested in the music of the Baroque period and was known for his performances of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Heiller's compositions were highly regarded, and he received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. One of Heiller's most significant achievements was his performance of Bach's complete organ works, which he undertook in the 1950s. This was a monumental undertaking, as Bach's organ works consist of over 200 pieces, and Heiller's performances were spread out over several years. Heiller's performances of Bach's organ works were highly acclaimed, and he became known as one of the foremost interpreters of Bach's music. Heiller also made numerous recordings throughout his career, including several recordings of Bach's organ works. His recordings were highly regarded, and he received several awards for his work as a recording artist. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Heiller was also a respected music educator. He taught at the Vienna Academy of Music and the Mozarteum in Salzburg, and his students included some of the most prominent organists of the next generation. Heiller's career was cut short when he died suddenly of a heart attack on March 25, 1979, at the age of 55. His death was a great loss to the world of classical music, and he is remembered as one of the greatest organists of the 20th century. In conclusion, Anton Heiller was a highly talented and dedicated musician who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His performances, compositions, and recordings were highly regarded, and he received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. Heiller's legacy lives on through his music and the many students he taught, and he remains an inspiration to musicians around the world.

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