Born in Bratislava, Slovakia, December 22, 1874
Died in Perchtoldsdorf, Austria, February 11, 1939
- Franz Schmidt was a composer, pianist, and cellist whose reputation has unfortunately been tainted by the attention bestowed by the Nazi Party following the 1938 Anschluss (annexation of Austria).
- The Nazis named Schmidt the greatest living composer in the Austrian state, an “honor” that Schmidt never sought for himself.
- However, Schmidt never expressed support for Nazi ideology and never displayed anti-Semitic sentiment. He died in 1939, leaving his reputation undefended.
- In more recent years, efforts have been made to restore Schmidt’s reputation and bring about more awareness around his music.
- As a composer, Schmidt wrote orchestral works, opera, oratorio, and chamber music. His musical style was heavily influenced by Bruckner, Wagner, Brahms, and Mahler.
- Schmidt played cello in the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Gustav Mahler.
- In 1925, Schmidt became director of the Vienna Conservatory, and in 1927, he served as the Rector of the institution.1
Sources
- Abaigh McKee, “Franz Schmidt,” Music and the Holocaust, accessed February 12, 2025, https://holocaustmusic.ort.org/politics-and-propaganda/third-reich/franz-schmidt/.