Composer
The Resume
(June 24, 1908-November 1, 1942)
Born in Nuremberg, Germany
Organist, choral director and neo-baroque composer
Known for his religious choral music
Compositions include 'Der Jahrkreis' (1931), 'Dance of Death' (1934) and 'The Christmas Story' (1935)
Why he might be annoying
He was denied entrance to the Nuremberg music conservatory three times. (Although the rejection probably had more to do with his birth out of wedlock than any lack of musical talent.)
He joined the Nazi party to keep his job (1933).
He was given five temporary exemptions from being drafted into the German army. When he was denied a sixth one, he committed suicide by putting his head in the oven.
Why he might not be annoying
He was raised by his grandparents after his mother married an American and left for the USA.
His music was denounced by the Nazis as 'degenerate.'
He probably ticked off the Nazis further with his 'The Christmas Story,' since it repeatedly used the line 'To Bethlehem in the Jewish countries,' reminding the audience that Jesus was a Jew.
One biographer explained his suicide with 'it appears that he saw the futility of attempting to serve both God and Nazis, and came to terms with his own conscience unequivocally.'
Carl Orff said of his music, 'It lives on, whereas other music, in its own time so praised, has long since paled.'
Credit: C. Fishel
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Year In Review:
For 2019, as of last week, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2018, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2017, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2016, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2015, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2014, Out of 11 Votes: 63.64% Annoying
In 2013, Out of 16 Votes: 62.50% Annoying
In 2012, Out of 14 Votes: 71.43% Annoying
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