Kurt Schwertsik is 90: a life between music and philosophy

Kurt Schwertsik is 90: a life between music and philosophy

Wien, Österreich - Kurt Schwertsik, one of the most influential composers in Austria, has reason to celebrate: on June 25, 2025, he turns 90. In public, it is often described as the "big Schelm" among the domestic sound sets. This name reflects its humorous and unconventional nature, which is also expressed in his works. Schwertsik is known for his profound examination of topics such as rebirth, finiteness and infinity, for which he commented in an interview with the APA. Despite his fame, he does not see himself as the Doyen of the Austrian composers, a role that is attributed to him after the death of Friedrich Cerha.

Another personal confession of the composer is that he often feels too little listed, but enjoys the attention that is granted to him. When asked about his music, Schwertsik explains that he maintains easier access to music, which he sees as a characteristic of great art. This decision was strongly shaped by the influences of Karlheinz Stockhausen, whose ideas significantly influenced him in his artistic career.

celebrations for the 90th birthday

The celebrations for Schwertsik's 90th birthday are already in full swing. The radio stations Ö1 and ORF 2 have announced extensive programs in their honor. On June 19, Ö1 will broadcast a program entitled "Opus", followed by "Sound Art: Zeit-Ton" on the days 23rd and 24th June. On the actual birthday, June 25th, music from Schwertsik will be heard in a "Ö1 concert", including his compositions "Adieu Satie" and "Baumgesang III". Furthermore, on June 22, the portrait "Kurt Schwertsik im Wunderland" will be broadcast on ORF 2 and ORF on, which illuminates the life and philosophy of the composer.

Schwertsik, who was born in Vienna on June 25, 1935, looks back on an impressive academic and artistic career. He studied composition and horn at the Vienna University of Music and was a student of Joseph Marx and Karl Schiske. From 1960 he took part in the international holiday courses for new music in Darmstadt. Schwertsik not only founded several ensembles, including the ensemble "Die Serre" with Friedrich Cerha in 1958, but also as a professor at the University of Music and Performing Art Vienna from 1989 to 2004.

artistic influences and works

The musical development of swordsics was shaped by sizes such as Mauricio Kagel and John Cage. His compositional work includes many genres, including operas, chamber music and orchestral works. Schwertsik has created over 100 works in which serial and tonal music merge together and deals intensively with the exploration of tonality and musical irony.

Some of his most important works are the "Mob-style symphony", the Transylvanic Symphony "Dracula's house and court music" and the opera "Katzelmacher" according to a text by Rainer Werner Fassbinder. Schwertsik's curiosity and humor are reflected in the numerous compositions that, despite their complexity, always offer access to a wider audience. Despite his reflections about the end of life, he does not plan for his own funeral, because he believes in the idea of ​​rebirth and the complexity of life.

In the coming days, Schwertsik is looking forward to the celebrations and his wife has already planned a 90th birthday celebration - albeit on a smaller scale to keep the joy in a personal circle.