Grosz, Wilhelm (1894-1939)

Austrian composer. His music has become associated with Kurt Weill, and a concert of their music was given at the London Proms in 1993.

Grosz studied theory under Guido Adler and composition under Franz Schreker. In 1921 he was appointed conductor at Mannheim Opera, Germany, but returned to Vienna in 1922 to make a living as pianist and composer. From 1928 he worked with a gramophone company in Berlin, and conducted the Kammerspiele in Vienna 1933-34. He then left Germany and became a refugee in London and New York.

Works Stage and incidental music operas Sganarell (1925) and Achtung, Aufnahme (1930); play with music St Peters Regenschirm; ballets Der arme Reinhold (1928) and Baby in der Bar; incidental music to Werfel's Spiegelmensch and Hauptmann's Die versunkene Glocke; music for films and radio.

Orchestral Symphonic Variations, serenade, suite, overture to an opera buffa and other pieces for orchestra; Symphonic Dance for piano and orchestra.

Chamber string quartet; two violin and piano sonatas; three piano sonatas.