Short bio Walter Braunfels
Full biography Walter Braunfels
Walter Braunfels was a German composer , pianist, and music educator who was born on December 19, 1882 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. He is known for his compositions of opera, oratorio, and several significant orchestral and chamber pieces. Braunfels emerged as a leading composer during the early 20th century and was largely thought of as a neo-Romantic composer.
Braunfels was a prolific composer who wrote in a variety of styles, from traditional tonality to progressive harmonies. His works are characterized by lush melodic lines, intricate harmonies, and an expressive use of orchestration. His religious works and operas gained significant attention during his lifetime and continue to be performed today.
During the Third Reich, Braunfels was suppressed by the regime and his music was banned. Hitler had wanted Braunfels to write an anthem for the brownshirts on the march , but Braunfels refused. This led to his works being removed from performance venues, recording studios, and music stores. Despite being half-Jewish, in 1923, German composer Max von Schillings invited Braunfels to write an opera for the Berlin State Opera. Schillings had recognized Braunfels' talent and chose to assist him despite the prevailing anti-Semitic policies of the time.
Braunfels passed away on March 19, 1954, in Cologne, Germany. His music was revived in the 2000s, and many of his works have been recorded and performed around the world. The composer is remembered as one of the leading figures of German music in the early 20th century, whose music was able to survive despite the suppression he faced during the Third Reich.
Compositions featuring Walter Braunfels
| # | Name | Duration | Genre | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebridentänze (Hebridean Dances), for piano & orchestra, Op. 70 | 31:55 min | Concerto | 1950 |
| 2 | Sinfonia brevis, Op. 69 | 32:14 min | Symphony | 1948 |
| 3 | String Quartet No. 3 in E minor, Op. 67 | 26:35 min | Chamber Music | 1947 |
| 4 | Konzertstück (Concert Piece), for piano & orchestra, Op. 64 | 16:42 min | Concerto | 1946 |
| 5 | Von der Liebe süß’ und bittre Frucht: Japanese Songs (4), for soprano & orchestra, Op. 62 | 16:45 min | Vocal Music | 1944 |
| 6 | String Quartet No. 1 in A minor, Op. 60 | 31:35 min | Chamber Music | 1944 |
| 7 | String Quartet No. 2 in F major, Op. 61 | 35:10 min | Chamber Music | 1944 |
| 8 | String Quintet in F sharp minor, Op. 63 | 39:58 min | Chamber Music | 1944 |
| 9 | Der Tod der Kleopatra, for soprano & orchestra, Op. 59 | 9:46 min | Vocal Music | 1944 |
| 10 | Die Gott minnende Seele, for soprano & orchestra, Op. 53 | 11:52 min | Vocal Music | 1935 |
| 11 | Tag-und Nachtstücke, for orchestra & piano obbligato, Op. 44 | 31:03 min | Concerto | 1933 |
| 12 | Toccata, Adagio & Fugue for organ in F minor, Op. 43 | 20:20 min | Keyboard | 1933 |
| 13 | Verkündigung, opera, Op. 50 | 89:05 min | Opera | 1933 |
| 14 | Scottish Fantasy, for viola & orchestra, Op. 47 | 31:30 min | Concerto | 1932 |
| 15 | Songs (2) for voice & piano, Op. 44 | 2:57 min | Vocal Music | 1932 |
| 16 | Divertimento, for orchestra, Op. 42 | 19:34 min | Orchestral | 1929 |
| 17 | Der Gläserne Berg, suite from the opera for orchestra, Op. 39b | 25:08 min | Orchestral | 1929 |
| 18 | Concerto for organ, boy's chorus & orchestra, Op. 38 | 36:19 min | Concerto | 1927 |
| 19 | Grosse Messe, for soloists, boys' chorus, chorus, organ & orchestra in G minor, Op. 37 | 75:13 min | Choral | 1923 |
| 20 | Prelude and Fugue for orchestra, Op. 36 | 15:47 min | Orchestral | 1922 |
| 21 | Don Gil von den gruenen Hosen (Don Gil of the Green Breeches), comic-opera, Op. 35 | Opera | 1921 | |
| 22 | Die Vögel, opera in 2 acts, Op. 30 | 138:33 min | Opera | 1920 |
| 23 | Romantic Songs, for soprano & orchestra, Op. 58 | 15:05 min | Vocal Music | 1918 |
| 24 | Herbstgefühl, for voice & piano | 2:03 min | Vocal Music | 1917 |
| 25 | Klärchen-Lieder, for voice & piano | 3:00 min | Vocal Music | 1916 |
| 26 | An die Parzen, for baritone & piano, Op. 27/1 | 3:25 min | Vocal Music | 1916 |
| 27 | Hölderlin-Gesänge (2), for baritone & orchestra, Op. 27 | 14:30 min | Vocal Music | 1916 |
| 28 | Die Trommel gerühret, for voice & piano, Op. 29/2 | 1:08 min | Vocal Music | 1916 |
| 29 | Auf ein Soldatengrab, for baritone & orchestra, Op. 26 | 4:21 min | Vocal Music | 1915 |
| 30 | Chinese Songs (3), for soprano & orchestra, Op. 19 | 13:19 min | Vocal Music | 1914 |
| 31 | Nachklänge Beethovenscher Musik, for voice & piano, Op. 13 | 3:54 min | Vocal Music | 1910 |
| 32 | Piano Concerto, Op. 21 | 32:04 min | Concerto | 1910 |
| 33 | Ariels Gesang, for orchestra, Op. 18 | 9:24 min | Orchestral | 1910 |
| 34 | Musik zu Shakespeares Komödie Was Ihr wolt, for voice & piano, Op. 11 | 9:25 min | Vocal Music | 1909 |
| 35 | Symphonic Variations on an old French Children's Song, for orchestra, Op. 15 | 16:07 min | Orchestral | 1909 |
| 36 | Carnevals-Ouvertüre, for orchestra, Op. 22 | 8:45 min | Orchestral | 1908 |
| 37 | Hexensabbat (Witches' Sabbath), for piano & orchestra, Op. 8 | 16:58 min | Concerto | 1906 |
| 38 | Songs (6) for voice & piano, Op. 4 | 11:00 min | Vocal Music | 1905 |
| 39 | Einziges Geschiedensein, for voice & piano, Op. 4/2 | 3:04 min | Vocal Music | 1905 |
| 40 | An ein junges Mädchen, for voice & piano, Op. 4/3 | 1:02 min | Vocal Music | 1905 |
| 41 | Fragmente eines Federspiels, for voice & piano, Op. 7 | 8:55 min | Vocal Music | 1904 |
| 42 | Songs (6) for voice & piano, Op. 1 | 15:07 min | Vocal Music | 1902 |
| 43 | Sinfonia Concertante, for violin, viola, 2 horns & string orchestra, Op. 68 | 29:24 min | Concerto | - |
| 44 | Songs (2) for chorus, Op. 41 | 5:16 min | Choral | - |
| 45 | Neues Federspiel, for voice & piano | 10:28 min | Vocal Music | - |
| 46 | Prinzessin Brambilla, opera | 95:01 min | Opera | - |
| 47 | Phantastische Erscheinungen eines Themas von Hector Berlioz, Op. 25 ("Fantastic Appearances of a Theme by Hector Berlioz") | 45:52 min | Orchestral | - |
| 48 | Don Juan, introduction, theme & variations for orchestra (after Mozart), Op. 34 | 34:14 min | Orchestral | - |
| 49 | Te Deum, for 2 voices, mixed chorus & orchestra Op. 32 | 55:33 min | Choral | - |
| 50 | Serenade, Op. 20 | 25:04 min | Orchestral | - |
Albums featuring Walter Braunfels
| # | Сover | Name album | Year | Music label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
String Quartets No.1 - 3 & String Quintet(2×CD, Stereo) | 2022 | Cavi-Music |
| 2 |  |
Walter Braunfels, ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gregor Bühl – Don Gil; Divertimento Op. 42; Serenade Op. 20(CD, Album) | 2021 | Capriccio (2) |
| 3 |  |
Pfitzner, Braunfels, Markus Becker (4), Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin, Constantin Trinks – Piano Concerto in E flat major, Tag- und Nachtstücke(CD, ) | 2019 | Hyperion |
| 4 |  |
Walter Braunfels, BBC Concert Orchestra, Johannes Wildner, Piers Lane | Ernst Kovacic | Thomas Selditz – Hebridentänze Für Klavier Und Orchester | Sinfonia Concertante | Orchester-Suite(SACD, Hybrid, Multichannel, Stereo) | 2019 | Dutton Epoch |
| 5 |  |
Walter Braunfels, Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl – Fantastical Apparitions Of A Theme By Hector Berlioz, Op. 25; Sinfonia Brevis, Op. 69(CD, ) | 2018 | Capriccio (2) |
| 6 |  |
Walter Braunfels, Raudales · Merkel · Reitmayer · Ostertag, Münchner Rundfunkorchester, Ulf Schirmer – Quintet For String Orchestra Op. 63a / Sinfonia Concertante Op. 68(8×File, AAC, Album) | 2018 | cpo |
| 7 |  |
Walter Braunfels, Tatjana Blome, Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl – Works For Piano & Orchestra (Witches' Sabbath Op. 8 / Hebridean Dances Op. 70 / Concert Piece Op. 64)(CD, ) | 2018 | Capriccio (2) |
| 8 |  |
Walter Braunfels, Raudales · Merkel · Reitmayer · Ostertag, Münchner Rundfunkorchester, Ulf Schirmer – Quintet For String Orchestra Op. 63a / Sinfonia Concertante Op. 68(CD, Stereo) | 2018 | cpo |
| 9 |  |
Walter Braunfels - Moritz Ernst, Deutsche Radio Philharmonie, Dorian Wilson – Klavierwerke(CD, Album) | 2017 | Rime Records (2) |
| 10 |  |
Walter Braunfels - Valentina Farcas | Klaus Florian Vogt | Michael Volle | Staatskapelle Weimar | Hansjörg Albrecht – Orchestral Songs | Volume I | 2016 | Oehms Classics |
| 11 |  |
Walter Braunfels - Simone Schneider (2), Gerhild Romberger, Christian Elsner, Robert Holl, Philharmonischer Chor Berlin, Berliner Singakademie, Knabenchor Des Staats- Und Domchores Berlin, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Jörg-Peter Weigle – Grosse Messe, O | 2016 | Capriccio (2) |
| 12 |  |
Walter Braunfels - BBC Concert Orchestra, Johannes Wildner, Piers Lane – Volume 3: Konzertstück For Piano And Orchestra / Don Gil Von Den Grünen Hosen: Suite / Die Taubenhochzeit / Don Gil Prelude / Serenade(SACD, Hybrid, Album) | 2016 | Dutton Epoch |
| 13 |  |
Walter Braunfels, Genia Kühmeier, Camilla Nylund, Ricarda Merbeth, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Hansjörg Albrecht – Orchestral Songs︱Volume 2 | 2016 | Oehms Classics |
| 14 |  |
Walter Braunfels - Philharmonisches Orchester Altenburg-Gera, Markus L. Frank – Don Juan Op. 34 | Symphonic Variations On An Old French Nursery Song Op. 15(CD, Album) | 2016 | Capriccio (2) |
| 15 |  |
Walter Braunfels - Marlis Petersen, Konrad Jarnot, Eric Schneider (2) – Lieder - Songs(CD, Album) | 2016 | Capriccio (2) |
| 16 |  |
Walter Braunfels, BBC Concert Orchestra, Johannes Wildner – Walter Braunfels, Volume 2: Symphonic Variations On A French Children's Song / Suite From Der Gläserne Berg / Sinfonia Brevis(CD, Stereo) | 2015 | Dutton Epoch |
| 17 |  |
Walter Braunfels, BBC Concert Orchestra, Johannes Wildner, Victor Sangiorgio, Sarah-Jane Bradley – Ariels Gesang / Piano Concerto / Schottische Phantasie(CD, ) | 2014 | Dutton Epoch |
| 18 |  |
Walter Braunfels - Manfred Honeck, Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Staatsopernchor Stuttgart, Knabenchor Collegium Iuvenum Stuttgart, Simone Schneider (2), Gerhild Romberger, Matthias Klink (2), Attila Jun – Grosse Messe(2×CD, Album) | 2013 | Decca |
| 19 |  |
Walter Braunfels, Iveta Apkalna, Tölzer Knabenchor, Münchner Symphoniker, Hansjörg Albrecht – Konzert Für Orgel, Knabenchor Und Orchester Und Andere Welt-Ersteinspielungen(CD, Album) | 2012 | Oehms Classics |
| 20 |  |
Günter Wand, Walter Braunfels, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Tadeusz Baird – Günter Wand-Edition Volume 17(CD, Compilation) | 2011 | Profil Edition Günter Hänssler |
| 21 |  |
Walter Braunfels, Juliane Banse, Terje Stensvold, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Manfred Honeck, Swedish Radio Choir, Eric Ericson Chamber Choir – Jeanne D'Arc - Szenen Aus Dem Leben Des Heiligen Johanna(2×CD, Album) | 2010 | Decca |
| 22 |  |
Walter Braunfels, Adolf Busch • ARC / Artists Of The Royal Conservatory – Two Roads To Exile(CD, Compilation) | 2010 | Sony Music |
| 23 |  |
Braunfels - Gitta-Maria Sjöberg, Lars-Erik Jonsson (2), Eric Ericson Chamber Choir, Swedish Radio Choir, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Manfred Honeck – Te Deum(CD, Album) | 2007 | Orfeo (2) |
| 24 |  |
Walter Braunfels, Marabelli, Paul, Shaw, Lo Forte, Wexford Festival Opera Chorus, Wexford Festival Children's Chorus, Cracow Philharmonic Orchestra, Daniele Belardinelli – Prinzessin Brambilla: Opera In A Prologue And Five Scenes(2×CD, Album) | 2005 | Marco Polo |
| 25 |  |
Walter Braunfels, Radio-Symphonieorchester Wien, Dennis Russell Davies – Phantastische Erscheinungen Op. 25 / Serenade Op. 20(CD, ) | 2004 | cpo |
| 26 |  |
Walter Braunfels, Auryn Quartett – String Quartets 1 & 2 | 1998 | cpo |
| 27 |  |
Braunfels – Kwon · Wottrich · Kraus · Holzmair · Görne · Rundfunkchor Berlin · Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin · Lothar Zagrosek – Die Vögel | 1996 | Decca |
| 28 |  |
Braunfels, Nimsgern, Rüggeberg, Trauboth, Shirasaka-Teratani, Bröcheler, Bladin, Chor Des Kölner Sinfonieorchesters, Kölner Sinfonieorchester, Russell Davies – Verkündigung(2×CD, Stereo) | 1994 | EMI Classics |
| 29 |  |
Walter Braunfels, Barbara Buntrock, Paul Armin Edelmann, Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz, Gregor Bühl – Carnival Overture; Scottish Fantasy; Hölderin Songs; Prelude And Fugue(CD, Album) | - | Capriccio (2) |
Videos featuring Walter Braunfels
Te Deum, Op. 32: Te Deum laudamus. Feierlich, breit
Provided to YouTube by NAXOS of America
Te Deum, Op. 32: Te Deum laudamus. Feierlich, breit · Gitta-Maria Sjöberg
Braunfels: Te Deum, Op. 32
℗ 2007 Orfeo
Released on: 2007-10-29
Artist: Gitta-Maria Sjöberg
Artist: Lars-Erik Jonsson
Choir: Eric Ericso
Große Messe, Op. 37: Kyrie
Provided to YouTube by NAXOS of America
Große Messe, Op. 37: Kyrie · Simone Schneider
Walter Braunfels: Große Messe, Op. 37
℗ 2016 Capriccio
Released on: 2016-06-10
Artist: Simone Schneider
Artist: Christian Elsner
Artist: Robert Holl
Artist: Heiko H
Te Deum, Op. 32: Judex crederis. Gemessen
Provided to YouTube by NAXOS of America
Te Deum, Op. 32: Judex crederis. Gemessen · Lars-Erik Jonsson
Braunfels: Te Deum, Op. 32
℗ 2007 Orfeo
Released on: 2007-10-29
Artist: Lars-Erik Jonsson
Choir: Eric Ericson Chamber Choir
Choir: Swedish Radio Cho
Große Messe, Op. 37: Gloria
Provided to YouTube by NAXOS of America
Große Messe, Op. 37: Gloria · Simone Schneider
Walter Braunfels: Große Messe, Op. 37
℗ 2016 Capriccio
Released on: 2016-06-10
Artist: Simone Schneider
Artist: Christian Elsner
Artist: Robert Holl
Artist: Gerhil
Große Messe, Op. 37: Credo
Provided to YouTube by NAXOS of America
Große Messe, Op. 37: Credo · Simone Schneider
Walter Braunfels: Große Messe, Op. 37
℗ 2016 Capriccio
Released on: 2016-06-10
Artist: Simone Schneider
Artist: Robert Holl
Artist: Gerhild Romberger
Artist: Christ
Te Deum, Op. 32: Aeterna fac. Langsam
Provided to YouTube by NAXOS of America
Te Deum, Op. 32: Aeterna fac. Langsam · Gitta-Maria Sjöberg
Braunfels: Te Deum, Op. 32
℗ 2007 Orfeo
Released on: 2007-10-29
Artist: Gitta-Maria Sjöberg
Artist: Lars-Erik Jonsson
Choir: Eric Ericson Chamber Choi
Te Deum, Op. 32: Dignare, Domine. Sehr langsam
Provided to YouTube by NAXOS of America
Te Deum, Op. 32: Dignare, Domine. Sehr langsam · Gitta-Maria Sjöberg
Braunfels: Te Deum, Op. 32
℗ 2007 Orfeo
Released on: 2007-10-29
Artist: Gitta-Maria Sjöberg
Artist: Lars-Erik Jonsson
Choir: Eric Ericson Cha
Große Messe, Op. 37: Offertorium
Provided to YouTube by NAXOS of America
Große Messe, Op. 37: Offertorium · Simone Schneider
Walter Braunfels: Große Messe, Op. 37
℗ 2016 Capriccio
Released on: 2016-06-10
Artist: Simone Schneider
Artist: Christian Elsner
Artist: Gerhild Romberger
Art
Große Messe, Op. 37: Sanctus
Provided to YouTube by NAXOS of America
Große Messe, Op. 37: Sanctus · Simone Schneider
Walter Braunfels: Große Messe, Op. 37
℗ 2016 Capriccio
Released on: 2016-06-10
Artist: Simone Schneider
Artist: Gerhild Romberger
Artist: Christian Elsner
Artist:
Große Messe, Op. 37: Interludium
Provided to YouTube by NAXOS of America
Große Messe, Op. 37: Interludium · Heiko Holtmeier
Walter Braunfels: Große Messe, Op. 37
℗ 2016 Capriccio
Released on: 2016-06-10
Artist: Heiko Holtmeier
Composer: Walter Braunfels
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Große Messe, Op. 37: Benedictus
Provided to YouTube by NAXOS of America
Große Messe, Op. 37: Benedictus · Simone Schneider
Walter Braunfels: Große Messe, Op. 37
℗ 2016 Capriccio
Released on: 2016-06-10
Artist: Simone Schneider
Artist: Robert Holl
Artist: Christian Elsner
Artist: Ge
Große Messe, Op. 37: Agnus Dei
Provided to YouTube by NAXOS of America
Große Messe, Op. 37: Agnus Dei · Gerhild Romberger
Walter Braunfels: Große Messe, Op. 37
℗ 2016 Capriccio
Released on: 2016-06-10
Artist: Gerhild Romberger
Artist: Christian Elsner
Artist: Robert Holl
Artist: S
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