Today, we encounter Ludwig Thuille primarily as a correspondent and friend of Richard Strauss, as well as co-author (with Rudolf Louis) of “Harmonielehre”. February 5, 2007 marked the 100th anniversary of Ludwig Thuille’s death. Born in Bozen, Thuille first studied in Innsbruck and then at the Royal School of Music in Munich, where he was appointed teacher of composition after completing
his studies. As successor to Joseph Gabriel Rheinberger, he influenced an entire generation of Munich-trained composers.
His oeuvre includes five works for stage, one symphony, one piano concerto, choruses, songs and chamber music. The belle époque aesthetic can be clearly heard in his song settings, which accent natural and traditional values but are harmonically quite complex. In their sensitive and complex sound, Thuille’s songs have a fascinating, unmistakable color.