Einem, Gottfried von (1918–1996)

Austrian composer. His opera Der Besuch der alten Dame (1971) was based on a stage vehicle for the actor Ingrid Bergman.

He worked at the Wagner theatre at Bayreuth, Germany, in 1938, and at the Staatsoper in Berlin; and studied further in London and Vienna. A plan to study with Paul Hindemith was frustrated when the latter was suspended by the Nazis in 1934, and Einem and his mother were themselves arrested by the Gestapo. After his release he studied with Boris Blacher, with whom he wrote the libretto for his first opera and secured a post at the Dresden Staatsoper. In 1948, after the success of Dantons Tod, he was invited to help to direct the festival in Salzburg, where he later lived.

Works Opera Dantons Tod (on Büchner's drama; 1947), Der Prozess/The Trial (after Kafka; 1953), Der Besuch der alten Dame (after Dürrenmatt; 1971), Kabale und Liebe (after Schiller; 1976), Jesu Hochzeit (1980), Prinz Chocolat (1983), Tuliphant (1990).

Ballet Prinzessin Turandot (after Gozzi; 1944).

Orchestral Capriccio (1943), concerto for orchestra, ‘Philadelphia’ symphony (1960), piano concerto, Bruckner Dialog for orchestra (1971), Wiener Symphonie (1976), Ludi Leopoldini (1980).

Chamber three string quartets (1975, 1977, 1980); wind quintet (1976).

Other piano pieces; Hafiz songs.