Schwertsik, Kurt#
b. Vienna, June 25, 1935, composer and hornist; husband of the actress Christa S. Founded the music ensemble "Die Reihe" with F. Cerha in 1958 and in 1968 the ensemble "MOB art & tone ART" with O. M. Zykan and H. K: Gruber. From 1968 hornist in the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, taught composition at the Vienna Conservatory from 1979, from 1989 Professor at the Vienna Musikhochschule (now University of Music and the Performing Arts). One of the best-known contemporary composers in Austria. His works are characterised by his exploration of tonality and his musical humour and irony. Recipient of the Grand Austrian State Prize 1992, the Austrian Decoration for Science and Art 1997 and numerous other awards.
Works#
Musical dramas: Der lange Weg zur grossen Mauer, 1975; Cafe Museum oder Die Erleuchtung, 1993; Die Welt der Mongolen, 1997. - Orchestral works: Draculas Haus- und Hofmusik, 1969; Baumgesaenge, 1992. - Vocal works: Starckdeutsche Lieder und Taenze, 1986 and 1991.- Chamber music.Literature#
G. Brosche (ed.), Musikalische Dokumentation K. S., exhibition catalogue, Austrian National Library, Vienna 1990.