Role

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Composer

Birth

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1920

 

Walter Arlen was a classical music composer born on July 31, 1920, in Vienna, Austria. He was born into a Jewish family and grew up in a musical household. His father, Julius Arlen, was a composer and conductor, and his mother, Elsa Wertheim, was a pianist. Arlen's parents recognized his musical talent at a young age and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Arlen began his musical education at the Vienna Music Academy, where he studied composition with Joseph Marx and piano with Franz Schmidt. However, his studies were interrupted by the rise of the Nazi regime in Austria. In 1938, Arlen and his family were forced to flee Austria due to their Jewish heritage. They eventually settled in England, where Arlen continued his musical studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London. During World War II, Arlen served in the British Army, where he was stationed in India and Burma. After the war, he returned to England and resumed his musical career. He worked as a music critic for various publications, including The Observer and The Times, and also composed music for film and television. Arlen's compositions are characterized by their lyrical melodies and rich harmonies. He was influenced by the music of his father, as well as by the Viennese classical tradition and the music of the Second Viennese School. His works include orchestral pieces, chamber music, and vocal music. One of Arlen's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which he composed in 1954. The symphony is in three movements and features a lush, romantic sound. It was premiered by the London Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Sir Adrian Boult and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. Another significant work by Arlen is his String Quartet No. 1, which he composed in 1951. The quartet is in four movements and showcases Arlen's skill at writing for the string quartet medium. It has been performed by numerous ensembles, including the Amadeus Quartet and the Arditti Quartet. In addition to his compositions, Arlen was also a respected musicologist. He wrote extensively on the music of Gustav Mahler and was a leading authority on the composer's life and works. He also wrote about other composers, including Franz Schubert and Arnold Schoenberg. Despite his many accomplishments, Arlen's music was largely overlooked during his lifetime. This was due in part to his Jewish heritage and the discrimination he faced as a result. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Arlen's music, and his works have been performed and recorded by a number of ensembles. Walter Arlen passed away on March 23, 2019, at the age of 98. He left behind a legacy of beautiful music and a commitment to preserving the works of other composers. His contributions to the world of classical music will not be forgotten.

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