Viktor Ullman

Viktor Ullmann (1898–1944) was a remarkable Austrian composer, pianist, and conductor whose life and work were tragically cut short by the horrors of the Holocaust. Born in Teschen, Silesia (now part of Poland), Ullmann emerged as a significant figure in early 20th-century classical music, blending tonality and twelve-tone techniques into a unique musical voice. A pupil of Arnold Schoenberg, Ullmann's compositions reflect the rich cultural influences of the Czech and German spheres, where he spent much of his life. Despite the grim circumstances of his imprisonment in Theresienstadt concentration camp, Ullmann continued to create profound and moving works, including his renowned opera "Der Kaiser von Atlantis." His legacy endures as a testament to the power of art and resilience in the face of adversity.