Ernst Märzendorfer

Austrian Conductor and Orchestra Leader

Ernst Märzendorfer was an Austrian conductor known for his extensive work in the classical music field. Born on April 26, 1921, in Steyr, Austria, he had a prolific career that spanned several decades. Märzendorfer served as the conductor of various orchestras and was particularly noted for his interpretations of the works of the Strauss family. He held positions such as the music director of the Linz Landestheater and worked with the Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra. One of his significant contributions to classical music was his involvement in recording the complete works of Johann Strauss I, which was a monumental task given the volume and relative obscurity of some of the pieces. These recordings have been released in a series of volumes, including but not limited to Volumes 4, 7, and 18. Märzendorfer's dedication to unearthing and performing lesser-known works has provided a valuable resource for understanding the breadth of Strauss's compositions. He passed away on September 16, 2009, leaving behind a legacy as a meticulous and scholarly conductor with a passion for Austrian classical music.