Cerha, Friedrich (1926– )

Austrian composer and violinist. In 1958, with Kurt Schwertsik, he founded Die Reihe, an organization devoted to the performance of new music. His completion of Act 3 of Lulu from Alban Berg's short score was performed in Paris, France, in 1979.

Cerha studied musicology at Vienna University and also composition with Alfred Uhl. He became director of the electronic studios of the Vienna Music Academy in 1960.

Works Opera Baal (1974–79; first performance Salzburg, 1981), Der Rattenfänger (1987).

Orchestral Espressioni fondamentali; Relazioni fragile for harpsichord and chamber orchestra; Intersecazioni for violin and orchestra (1959–72); Spiegel I–VII (1960–68); concerto for violin, cello, and orchestra (1975), concerto for flute, bassoon, and orchestra (1982).

Vocal Baal-Gesänge for baritone and orchestra (1982); Requiem für Hollensteiner (1983); Keintate for voice and 11 instruments (1983).