Hans Gál

The Hans Gál Society was founded in October 2005 in Great Britain, with the goal of promoting Hans Gál's music. It was initiated with the simultaneous release of a recording of the composer's complete solo piano works performed by Leon McCawley (Avie Records). Other CDs of Hans Gál's music are either in progress or already released. In addition to encouraging performances and recordings, the organization will publish out-of-print books and music by the composer and organize lectures and conferences.

Hans Gál (1890-1987) was born in Austria. He worked as Director of the Mainz Conservatory from 1929 until 1933. When Hitler took power, he was dismissed from his position and his music was banned. He returned to Vienna, but in 1938, he again had to flee the Nazis because he was Jewish. He escaped with his family to Great Britain, where he eventually gained British citizenship and a position in the Department of Music at the University of Edinburgh. He composed numerous chamber works, orchestral works, vocal pieces, plus piano works and some operas.

Information: www.hansgalsociety.org

Posted: 31 August 2006

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