Geza Frid

Full biography Geza Frid

Geza Frid was a Hungarian-born Dutch composer who lived from 1904 to 1989. He was an important figure in the post-war Dutch music scene and contributed significantly to the development of contemporary classical music.

Frid started his musical career studying violin and piano in Budapest, but later moved to study with renowned composer Zoltan Kodaly in Hungary. In the 1920s, Frid moved to Berlin to study music but was forced to flee to the Netherlands in 1934 due to the rise of the Nazi Party.

After arriving in the Netherlands, Frid continued his musical studies and began composing music. His compositions were varied, spanning a range of styles and forms, including orchestral works, chamber music, concertos, and solo pieces.

Frid also wrote music criticism, contributing articles to several Dutch music journals. He was interested in promoting contemporary classical music and gave lectures on the subject. Frid's music was often characterized by its lyricism, clear melodic lines, and use of folk elements.

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in Frid's music, and his works are increasingly being performed and recorded. Works like his Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra , Op. 55 and his early Trio cordes have been hailed as important contributions to the classical music canon.

In summary, Geza Frid was a prolific composer who made significant contributions to the contemporary classical music scene in the Netherlands. His music was characterized by its lyricism, clear melodic lines, and use of folk elements, and is experiencing renewed interest and recognition today.