Gideon Klein, a Czech composer and pianist, was a prisoner at the Terezín concentration camp from December 1941 to October 1944, where he continued to compose and organize musical life.
Compositional Technique
Gideon Klein was a self-taught composer, and his style was influenced by the Second Viennese School, particularly Berg, often using free atonality with occasional tonal centers.
Composition History
Many of Klein's compositions, including those on this album, were saved because he entrusted them to a friend before his transfer to Auschwitz, and they were later passed to his surviving sister.
Composition History
Until 1990, it was unknown that Klein had hidden a package of six compositions, including early works and drafts, with his friend Eduard Herzog, which were later discovered.
Composer Biography
Gideon Klein was killed in the Fürstengrube concentration camp at the end of January 1945, at the young age of twenty-six.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Klein's work represents an absolute refusal of resignation and the need to create even in unbearable living conditions, reminding one of Schubert in music and Kafka in literature.
Performer Biography
The Kocian Quartet, founded in 1972, is named after the violin virtuoso and teacher Jaroslav Kocian and has performed over 2500 concerts in 30 countries.
