Max Schönherr
Max Schönherr
Max Schönherr (1903–1984) was an Austrian composer, arranger and conductor. He was born in Maribor and studied in Graz under Roderich Mojsisovics von Mojsvar. He worked in Vienna, writing light orchestral music, and died in Baden bei Wien.
Biography in brief:
- Born in Maribor; studied in Graz.
- Known for light orchestral music in Vienna.
- Died in Baden bei Wien.
Music and notable works:
- Best known for Austrian Peasant Dances Op. 14, which became popular internationally.
- Other works include Concertino for Piano and Small Orchestra, Festive Musical for Piano and Small Orchestra, Dances of Salzburg for small or salon orchestra, Perpetual Motion Op. 29, Das Tränkene Mucklein, and the ballet Hotel Sacher.
Arranging and editions:
- As an arranger, Schönherr produced editions of music by Johann and Josef Strauss, such as Annen-Polka, Perpetuum mobile, Auf der Jagd, and the waltzes Delirien and Sphärenklänge.
- These five pieces were recorded by the Berliner Philharmoniker in 1980.
Recordings:
- Modern recordings total two CDs conducted by Manfred Müssauer with the Donau Philharmonie Wien (released 2006–2007) and a 2-CD introduction on the ORF label featuring older recordings.
- Earlier releases include a 78 rpm recording of Austrian Peasant Dances (late 1940s) with Walter Goehr, a 1963 RCA Victor LP Concert in the Park with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra, and a 1958 recording by Henry Krips with the Philharmonia Orchestra featuring several dances.
This page was last edited on 28 January 2026, at 19:38 (CET).