Description
Correspondence, scores, recordings, and ephemeracorrespondence of Austrian emigre composer and teacher Ernest Kanitz (1894-1978).
Kanitz continuously devoted himself to the systematic study of piano, theory and composition. In 1930 he founded the Vienna
Women's Chorus, with which he brought new choral music to the public in Vienna, Paris, Brno and Budapest. In July 1938, Kanitz
emigrated to the United States with his wife and children. Once there, he began teaching music and also appeared as conductor
of various women's choruses and student orchestras. After his wife passed away from Hodgkin's disease in 1944, he moved to
Los Angeles. By November 1945, he was appointed to the faculty at the USC School of Music, where he taught until his retirement
in 1959.
Background
Ernst Kanitz was born April 9, 1894 in Vienna. He studied law at the University of Vienna (J.D. 1918), but continuously devoted
himself to the systematic study of piano, theory and composition with Richard Heuberger (1912-1914) and Franz Schreker (1914-1920).
Early successes as composer (principally the premiere of the oratorio "Das Hohelied" in 1921) aided his musical career, which
also led to teaching. Beginning in 1922, he was a Professor of Theory and Analysis at the New Vienna Conservatory and had
numerous private students in composition. In 1930 Kanitz founded the Vienna Women's Chorus, with which he brought new choral
music to the public in Vienna, Paris, Brno and Budapest. The chorus remained in existence until Kanitz's emigration to the
United States in 1938.
Extent
85.26 Linear Feet
58 boxes
Restrictions
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to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Availability
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE: Advance notice required for access.