Wolfgang Rihm

'Something is created only where it does not yet exist.' - Wolfgang Rihm

'The only thing music needs is ears that are truly open.' - Wolfgang Rihm

German composer and teacher Wolfgang Rihm was born in Karlsruhe on 13 March 1952, began to compose at eleven and studied at the University of Music in Karlsruhe.

He was first noticed internationally when his orchestral work Sektor IV aus Morphonie was performed at the 1974 Donaueschinger Musiktage, and he went on to become one of the most influential composers of his time, and one of the most performed contemporary composers.  He is particularly known for his stage works, including the operas Faust und Yorick, Jakob Lenz, Die Eroberung von Mexico, Séraphin and Dionysos, and the music theatre works Die Hamletmaschine and Oedipus.

As a teacher, his students included Rebecca Saunders, Luke Styles and Jörg Widmann.

Wolfgang Rihm died in Ettlingen on 27 July 2024, aged seventy-two, following a long battle with cancer.

 

A selection of articles about Wolfgang Rihm

Classical music news - July 2024 Obituaries - Our summary of those the classical music world has lost this month

CD Spotlight. Fascinating Listening - Music by Wolfgang Rihm, recommended for those who enjoy the challenges of listening to contemporary music, by Geoff Pearce. 'The performers here really excel and do this music justice.'

Ensemble. Very Special - Christmas music in Rome impresses Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. Meeting between Civilizations? - Wolfgang Rihm's 'Die Eroberung von Mexico', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. Trends and Tendencies - Contemporary music at the Enescu Festival, discussed by Giuseppe Pennisi

CD Spotlight. Musical Finesse - Songs by Gregg Kallor, recommended by Howard Smith. 'Go to the top of the class.'

CD Spotlight. Cuts and Dissolves - Music by Turnage, Rihm and Benjamin, reviewed by Carson Cooman. '... a well-planned listening experience ...'

Ensemble. Pervasive influence - A return visit to London by the Verdehr Trio, reviewed by Peter Dickinson

CD Spotlight. Creditable performances - Vocal music by Wolfgang Rihm, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... purity, clarity and commendable accuracy.'

Ensemble - The role of the artist. Roderic Dunnett visits Caen for a performance of Wolfgang Rihm's opera 'Jakob Lenz'