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Juliusz WolfsohnAustrian pianist and composer of Polish-Jewish origin
Date of Birth: 07.01.1880
Country:  Austria |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Moise (Moshe) Wolfsohn was an Austrian pianist and composer of Polish-Jewish descent, born on January 16, 1883, in Warsaw, Poland. His uncle was David Wolfsohn, a prominent leader of the Zionist movement. Moise studied piano at the Warsaw Conservatory under Alexander Michałowski and later at the Moscow Conservatory. He continued his musical education in Paris with Raoul Pugno and in Vienna with Theodor Leschetizky.
Musical Career
In 1906, Wolfsohn settled in Vienna and became a renowned concert pianist, particularly known for his performances of Frédéric Chopin's works. He taught piano at the Vienna Conservatory and privately, with notable students including Leo Sirota and Irakli Dzabadari. As a composer, Wolfsohn primarily focused on collecting, arranging, and adapting Jewish folk music. His most significant works include the "Paraphrasen über altjüdische Volksweisen" (Paraphrases on Old Jewish Folk Melodies), published in three volumes from 1920 to 1925, as well as the "Jüdische Rhapsodie" (Jewish Rhapsody; 1923) and the "Hebräische Suite" (Hebrew Suite; 1926). In 1928, Wolfsohn co-founded the Viennese Society for the Promotion of Jewish Music and contributed music criticism to Viennese Jewish newspapers such as "Die Stimme" and "Die neue Welt."
Jewish Identity and Activism
Wolfsohn's Jewish heritage played a significant role in his musical career. He dedicated himself to preserving and promoting Jewish music through his compositions, arrangements, and writings. He also actively supported Jewish organizations and causes. In 1938, he adapted Johann Strauss Jr.'s waltz "On the Beautiful Blue Danube" for the left hand at the request of Paul Wittgenstein.
Flight and Exile
With the rise of Nazism, Wolfsohn fled Austria in 1939 via the Netherlands to the United States. He continued his teaching career in New York City until his death on December 2, 1946.
Legacy
Moise Wolfsohn's musical legacy has been preserved and revived by pianist and researcher Jascha Nemtsov, who recorded many of Wolfsohn's works and published several scholarly articles about his life and music. Wolfsohn's contributions to Jewish music and his efforts to promote Viennese musical culture continue to be recognized and appreciated today.
