Walter Arlen

Walter Arlen, born Walter Aptowitzer in Vienna in 1920, was an Austrian-American composer and music critic whose life and work were profoundly shaped by his experiences fleeing the Nazi regime. A musical prodigy from a young age, Arlen's journey took him from the cultural richness of pre-war Vienna to the United States, where he reinvented himself and made significant contributions to the world of music. After settling in Chicago, Arlen changed his name and began a career that spanned composition, criticism, and academia. His compositions, many of which were inspired by the poetry of Rilke and Frost, were first performed publicly in 2008, when he was in his late eighties. Arlen's music is deeply personal, often reflecting his memories and experiences, including the loss of his first love in a labor camp and the tragic suicide of his mother. As a critic for the Los Angeles Times and a professor at Loyola Marymount University, Arlen was known for his passion for teaching and his steadfast support of the music department long after his retirement. His legacy includes around 65 works, primarily for voice and piano, and his influence as an educator and critic. Arlen's life story is one of resilience and creativity, making him a remarkable figure in the world of classical music.