Wilhelm Killmayer

Full biography Wilhelm Killmayer

Wilhelm Killmayer (1927-2017) was a German composer of classical music , a conductor, and a teacher of composition. As a young composer, he broke away from the theoretical dogmas of serial music and developed his personal style. He wrote nearly 300 works, ranging from operas and ballets to symphonies, chamber music, and concertos.

Killmayer studied composition with Carl Orff and Wilhelm Maler in Munich, Germany. He was an academic teacher of composition at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater München and the Hochschule für Musik Würzburg in Germany.

His music was often characterized by its experimental and challenging nature, exploring novel musical structures and forms. However, his love of melody and lyricism was also evident in many of his works.

Some of Killmayer's notable compositions include his operas "Der Kirschgarten" and "Das Labyrinth," the ballet "The Tempest," and the oratorio "Christus und die drei Marien." He was also recognized for his work in film, including the soundtrack for the documentary "Visions of Eight."

Killmayer’s music has been performed by leading orchestras and ensembles around the world, and his influence can be seen in the work of contemporary composers. He passed away in August 2017, leaving behind a rich legacy of innovative and significant contributions to the world of classical music.