Richard Rudolf Klein, born on May 21, 1921, in Nussdorf near Landau (Palatinate), was a prominent figure in the world of music. His journey as a composer and conductor was marked by an unwavering dedication to his craft and a lifelong commitment to musical excellence.
Klein's passion for music led him to the renowned Trossingen and Stuttgart music colleges. There, he had the privilege of studying under the mentorship of Phillip Mohler for composition and K. Muenchinger for conducting, among other distinguished teachers.
After his artistic graduation in composition and conducting in 1948, Klein's journey continued with fervor. He secured a teaching position at the Stuttgart University of Music while continuing his composition studies under the guidance of W. Fortner. In 1949, he was appointed as a teacher of music theory at the Detmold Music Academy, and in 1960, he began teaching composition and musical composition at the Musikhochschule Frankfurt.
In 1965, his expertise was recognized with a professorship. Until 1996, he shared his knowledge and passion at the Hoch'schen Konservatorium Frankfurt.
Richard Rudolf Klein's rich compositional work spanned a wide spectrum of genres, forms, and instrumentations. His creations ranged from simple monophonic songs and canons to elaborate, evening-filling stage productions. In the realm of instrumental music, he explored classical forms in solo and chamber music ensembles. His repertoire also includes solo concerts, such as those for violin, trumpet, horn, clarinet, and organ. Notably, he composed orchestral works in a symphonic style.
Throughout his illustrious career, Richard Rudolf Klein received numerous accolades for his compositions. These honors include the Chamber Music Prize of the City of Gera, the Music Prize of the City of Stuttgart, and the Music Prize of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate. In 2001, he was awarded the Hessian Order of Merit, a testament to his profound impact on the world of music.
The biography written by Prof Hermann Josef Wilbert entitled "The composer Richard Rudolf Klein - description and appreciation of his life, his work, his person and his meaning" was published in 2014 by BoD Books on Demand GmbH, In de Tarpen 42, D- 22848 Norderstedt. It has the ISBN 9783735748638.
It can be ordered from the publisher or in bookstores and costs €22.
