Paul Graener

Full biography Paul Graener

Paul Graener (11 January 1872 - 13 November 1944) was a German composer, music critic, and conductor, known for his Romantic compositions. He wrote over 200 works, including operas, symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and vocal music.

Graener was born in Berlin and studied with prominent musicians of his time, including Max Bruch and Ferruccio Busoni. He began his career in music as a music critic, and later worked as a conductor in various cities in Germany. He was also a professor at the Berlin Hochschule für Musik from 1920 to 1933.

Graener's music was influenced by the Romantic tradition, and he often used folk melodies and exotic harmonies in his compositions. He was known for his operas, which included "Hanneles Himmelfahrt," "Der Prinz von Homburg," and "Circe." He also wrote several symphonies, including his Symphony No. 1 in D minor, which was premiered in 1899.

Despite his success as a composer and conductor, Graener's music was banned by the Nazi regime in the 1930s due to his Jewish heritage. He fled to Switzerland in 1934 and later moved to the UK, where he continued to compose until his death in 1944.

Today, Graener is remembered as an important composer of the early 20th century, whose works reflect the musical traditions of his time and his own unique style.