Wilhelm Grosz, the composer, came from a wealthy Jewish family in Vienna and received his musical training from prominent figures like Franz Schreker and Guido Adler.
Cultural Impact
In England, Grosz became a successful songwriter in London's 'Tin Pan Alley,' with hits like 'Isle of Capri' and 'Red Sails in the Sunset' even appearing in Nazi Germany under pseudonyms.
Compositional Technique
Grosz's Sonatina sopra 'E-H-A-E' is a musical birthday greeting to his publisher Universal Edition, with the notes E, H, A, and E representing Emil Hertzka (the director), Universal, and Edition.
Composer Biography
Wilhelm Grosz was a versatile talent, appearing not only as a composer and pianist but also as a conductor, arranger, orchestrator, recording director, 'talent scout', publicist, and musicologist.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Grosz openly manifested his aesthetic dissociation from the 'neotoners' around the Schoenberg-Berg-Webern triumvirate, instead focusing on 'jazz' (as understood in the 1920s) in his compositional work.
Recording & Production
Many of the works on this album, including the 12 Improvisations, Op. 45, are world premiere recordings.
Historical Context
After the Nazis' rise to power in 1933, Wilhelm Grosz's name was removed from record labels, leading him to move to England in 1934.
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