Wolfgang Rihm: A Legacy in Contemporary Classical Music

Wolfgang Rihm: A Titan of Contemporary Classical Music Passes Away

Wolfgang Rihm, a renowned composer whose dynamic and transformative works significantly enriched the landscape of contemporary classical music, passed away on Saturday in Ettlingen, Germany. He was 72 years old. His death, which occurred in a hospice facility near Karlsruhe, where he had resided, was confirmed in a statement by his publisher, Universal Edition. While the statement did not disclose the specific cause of death, it is known that Mr. Rihm had been battling cancer since 2017. His struggle with illness and his determination to continue composing in the face of adversity were poignantly captured in a 2020 German documentary.

Rihm was widely regarded as one of the most innovative and prolific musical voices in Europe, earning the distinction of being the most frequently performed German composer of contemporary classical music. Among his celebrated commissions is the work titled “Reminiszenz,” described by Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim in The New York Times as an “arresting, broody orchestral song cycle.” This significant piece, which features a tenor accompanied by a large orchestra, made its debut during the inaugural concert of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg in 2017.

Throughout his illustrious career, Rihm composed over 500 works, although the exact tally remains somewhat ambiguous as several pieces remain unpublished. His contributions to the field were recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including:

• The 2003 Ernst von Siemens Music Prize
• The 2010 Golden Lion for lifetime achievement at the Venice Biennale
• The 2014 Robert Schumann Prize for Poetry and Music

In addition, he was appointed as the composer in residence for the 2024-25 season at the Berlin Philharmonic, a testament to his enduring influence and legacy. Music critic Manuel Brug, writing for Die Welt, remarked, “At times he was even like a court composer” for Germany, highlighting Rihm’s profound impact on the cultural fabric of the nation.