CLASSICAL MUSIC - WILHELM KILLMAYER

The music of the eminent composer Wilhelm Killmayer is steadily gaining widespread recognition. Clear and direct in its appeal, it defies categorisation, ranging across a broad and complex spectrum both technically and stylistically. The influence of Stravinsky, Orff (with whom Killmayer studied) and the romantic tradition of the nineteenth century can all be heard in it.

Born in 1927, Killmayer has written a wide variety of compositions, including operas, ballet and chamber music, orchestral and choral works and lieder.  He has also played an important part in German musical life, particularly in Munich, where he is based. He was the director of ballet music at the Bayerische Staatsoper 1961-64 and he held the post of Professor of Composition at the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik from 1973 up until 1991 when he was honoured with emeritus status.

In this programme, Killmayer himself introduces his music and plays some examples of his work on the piano. Performances by leading soloists Kim Kashkashian (viola), Thomas Zehetmair (violin), Boris Pergamenschikov ('cello), Siegfried Mauser (piano) and Ulrike Sonntag (soprano) are also included, together with footage of one of Killmayer's chamber music pieces in rehearsal and other extracts from concert recordings.