Nazi survivor composer dies at 103
RIPThe Austrian-born composer Walter Arlen died yesterday aged 103.
He escaped to the US in 1938 after his father was sent to Buchenwald, settled in Chicago, founded a university music department and composed copiously, mostly for voice.
He appeared this year in the Netflix documentary Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate.
He is survived by his husband, Howard Myers.
An extraordinary life lived to the fullest! Wally will be remembered forever not only for his tremendous musical talents but perhaps even moreso for his steadfast courage and his undying love for all of humanity and his lifelong dedication to making the world a better place! My deepest sympathies to you, Howie, and to all of Wally’s family, friends, and associates who will always hold him on such high esteem!
A real legend in the Los Angeles musical community. He showed me correspondence between him and Sibelius.
A generous life well led.
My blog entry when Walter turned 100 offers a good deal of his music. Signum will be releasing his oratorio “Song of Songs” https://forbiddenmusic.org/2020/07/17/on-july-31-2020-the-composer-walter-arlen-turns-100/