A forgotten master: Franz Schmidt returns to Perchtoldsdorf!

A forgotten master: Franz Schmidt returns to Perchtoldsdorf!

In the shade of history, the rediscovery of Franz Schmidt , a once forgotten composer who lived in Perchtoldsdorf from 1926 to his death in 1939. Schmidt, a sought -after teacher at the Vienna Music Academy and Cellist at the Vienna Philharmonic, had lived in a time of upheaval between late romanticism and modernity. His best-known works, including the oratorio "The Book with Seven Siegeln", not only meet the concert halls, but also in the center of the celebrated Franz Schmidt-Musiktage , an annual concert series which has been at home in the market town of Perchtoldsdorf since 2001.

Today Schmidt is less known because a homage cantata commissioned by the Nazis, which he never completed, threw a shadow on his inheritance. The young British conductor Jonathan Berman emphasizes the nuances in Schmidt's music and their human sensitivity. He speaks of the uniqueness of his works, the freedom of attitudes and a naturalness that Schmidt himself described as "how the birds sing". For his 150th birthday, a big celebration will take place in the Musikschule Perchtoldsdorf, which should focus on Schmidt's diverse work.

Franz Schmidt-Musiktage 2024

As part of the Franz Schmidt Music Days, numerous top-class concerts are offered that allow the audience to immerse themselves in the composer's world of sound. From cello concerts to song evenings, the next events are planned for February 18, April 7 and April 14, 2024. A highlight will be the musical journey through Schmidt, which not only recognizes the legacy of a forgotten artist, but also opens up new perspectives on classical music. Against the impressive background of the new castle hall in Perchtoldsdorf, these events will offer a platform for top interpreters who present Schmidt's works and works from the baroque to the present.