Heinz Karl Gruber

Full biography Heinz Karl Gruber

Heinz Karl Gruber is an Austrian composer, conductor, and double bass player, who was born in Vienna on January 3, 1943. He is professionally known as HK Gruber and has made significant contributions to contemporary classical music. Gruber's works include operas, orchestral music, chamber music, vocal music, and more.

One of Gruber's most notable works is "Piano Concerto" which was commissioned for the pianist Emanuel Ax ). Gruber's "Short Stories from the Vienna Woods" is another notable work, and it has been performed by various ensembles around the world. Gruber has also gained a reputation for his innovative and unique approach to composition, with works that often incorporate unconventional instruments and sounds.

Gruber's collaboration with Lotte Lenya is also noteworthy. He set some of Bertolt Brecht's lyrics to music for Lenya, the famous Austrian-American singer and actress, to record. Gruber has also collaborated with other musicians, including saxophonist John Harle and Composer Kurt Weill.

Despite his contemporary style, Gruber has a strong connection to Austria's musical past, and he has cited composers such as Mozart, Schubert, and Strauss as influences. Gruber continues to compose and conduct music, and in 2020, he turned 80 years old.