Aribert Reimann

Aribert Reimann, born in Berlin in 1936, was a distinguished German composer, pianist, and accompanist, renowned for his profound and evocative operas. His prolific career spanned over 70 works, with a particular focus on literary operas that brought classic texts to life on stage. Reimann's operatic masterpiece, "Lear," based on Shakespeare's "King Lear," premiered in 1978 and remains one of his most celebrated works, with the title role famously performed by Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. His later opera, "Medea," adapted from Franz Grillparzer's play, premiered at the Vienna State Opera in 2010 and has since garnered critical acclaim. Reimann's contributions to music extended beyond composition; he was also a respected professor of contemporary Lied in Hamburg and Berlin. In recognition of his lifelong achievements, he was awarded the prestigious Ernst von Siemens Music Prize in 2011. Reimann's music, characterised by its stirring lyricism and emotional depth, continues to captivate audiences and inspire musicians worldwide.