Max Deutsch

Full biography Max Deutsch

Max Deutsch (1892-1951) was an Austrian composer known for his contributions to the Second Viennese School, a movement in 20th century music characterized by the use of atonality and the twelve-tone technique. Deutsch initially studied mathematics and physics before turning his focus to music, studying composition with Arnold Schoenberg and Anton Webern.

Deutsch's compositions are known for their technical complexity, with many utilizing intricate rhythmic and melodic structures. He often experimented with different forms and genres, incorporating elements of jazz and popular music into his works.

In addition to his work as a composer, Deutsch was also a respected music theorist and teacher. He wrote several influential books on music theory and contributed to the development of the "Gruppenkompositionslehre" (group composition theory), which laid out a systematic approach to composing music using complex mathematical principles.

Despite his significant contributions to the world of music, Deutsch's work is not as widely known as that of some of his contemporaries. However, his innovative approach to composition and his contributions to music theory have had a lasting impact on the field of music, particularly in the areas of atonality and the twelve-tone technique.