Fortner, Wolfgang (1907-1987)

German composer. He studied with Hermann Grabner. From 1931 to 1954 he taught theory and composition at the Evangelical Church Music Institute in Heidelberg, where he founded and conducted a chamber orchestra. In 1954 he became professor of composition at the German Music Academy in Detmold, and in 1957 succeeded Genzmer at the Musikhochschule in Freiburg im Breisgau. His music shows the influence of Max Reger and Paul Hindemith. He also used serial techniques in later years, approaching integral serialism.

Works Stage operas Bluthochzeit (after Lorca, 1956; revised 1963), Corinna (1958), In seinem Garten liebt Don Pimperlin Belison (after Lorca, 1962), Elisabeth Tudor (1972); ballet Die Weisse Rose (after Wilde; 1950).

Choral Deutsche Liedmesse, Marianische Antiphonen for unaccompanied chorus.

Orchestral symphonies, Sinfonia concertante for chamber orchestra; concertos for various instruments and small orchestra.

Chamber four string quartets (1929-75), Suite for solo cello (1932), Five Bagatelles for wind quintet (1960).