Robert Müller-Hartmann: Chamber Works

Featuring

Erika Raum
Kevin Ahfat
Thomas Wiebe
Marie Bérard
Steven Dann
ARC Ensemble

Robert Müller-Hartmann

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Composer Biography

Robert Müller-Hartmann, the composer, was a second cousin of Paul Dessau, a notable composer and conductor.

Historical Context

In 1933, Müller-Hartmann, a 'Volljude' (full Jew) under Nazi race-laws, resigned from Hamburg University to avoid being fired, a decision that later complicated his wife's widow's pension claim.

Historical Context

During World War II, Müller-Hartmann was interned on the Isle of Man as an 'enemy alien,' a common fate for German and Austrian nationals in England at the time.

Composition History

Müller-Hartmann played a significant role in transforming Ralph Vaughan Williams's Double Trio into the Partita for Double String Orchestra, making suggestions that Vaughan Williams acknowledged.

Composer Biography

Müller-Hartmann studied composition under Eduard Behm, a Brahms acolyte, and counterpoint with Max Loewengard, a composer and critic, at Berlin's Stern Conservatory.

Historical Context

Müller-Hartmann contributed to the Jüdischer Kulturbund (Jewish Cultural Federation) in Hamburg, an organization created to provide opportunities for Jewish artists to perform for Jewish audiences under Nazi segregation.

Composer Biography

Upon arriving in England, Müller-Hartmann met Imogen Holst, daughter of the celebrated composer Gustav Holst, who helped him connect with the country's musical establishment.