Richard Wetz

German Romantic Composer and Conductor

Richard Wetz (1875-1935) was a German composer, conductor, and educator who made significant contributions to the late Romantic era of classical music. Although not as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, Wetz's work is characterized by its rich harmonic language and expressive depth. His compositions include three symphonies, choral works, and chamber music. His Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 38, Symphony No. 2 in A major, Op. 47, and Symphony No. 3 in B-flat major, Op. 48 are considered his most important orchestral works and reflect his mastery of large-scale symphonic form. Wetz also composed a Requiem (Op. 50) and an oratorio titled "Ein Weihnachtsoratorium" (Op. 53), which showcase his ability to write for voice and his interest in religious themes. Despite the quality of his output, Wetz's music fell into relative obscurity after his death; however, there has been a gradual resurgence of interest in his work in recent years with occasional performances and recordings bringing his music to a new audience.