Flury: A Florentine Tragedy & The Death of Sappho

Richard Flury, born in the quaint Swiss town of Biberist in 1896, was a prolific composer and conductor whose musical journey was as rich and varied as the landscapes of his homeland. Flury's early exposure to music came from his restaurateur father, an accomplished amateur trumpeter, igniting a lifelong passion for composition and performance. His formal training spanned Switzerland and Austria, studying under notable figures such as Hans Huber and Joseph Marx.

Flury's compositional output is vast, encompassing over 200 secular works across all genres. His neo-Romantic style, marked by unexpected rhythmic developments, is evident in his three operas, seven symphonies, and numerous concertos. Among his notable works are the opera "Casanova e l'Abertolli" and the "Symphony No. 1 in D-minor," showcasing his mastery of orchestration and dramatic storytelling.

As a conductor, Flury led the Solothurn City Orchestra for three decades and was deeply involved in the local music scene, conducting various orchestras and choirs, and even performing in dance bands. His dedication to music education was equally impressive, teaching at the Solothurn Canton School for over 30 years.

Flury's legacy endures through his extensive body of work, which continues to captivate audiences with its emotional depth and technical brilliance. His music offers a window into the soul of a composer who was as much a part of his community as he was a visionary on the global stage.