Walter Arlen

Walter Arlen, born Walter Aptowitzer in Vienna in 1920, was an Austrian-born American composer whose life and work were profoundly shaped by his experiences fleeing the Nazi regime. A musical prodigy from a young age, Arlen began piano lessons at five, guided by the renowned musicologist Otto Erich Deutsch. His family's persecution by the Nazis forced him to emigrate alone to the United States in 1939, where he would go on to make significant contributions to music as a composer, critic, and educator.

Arlen's compositions, primarily songs for voice and piano, often draw from the poetry of Rilke, Frost, and others, reflecting his deep emotional and intellectual engagement with the world. His music is deeply personal, often described by Arlen himself as containing his memories, a poignant testament to his experiences. Despite his late recognition as a composer, his works debuted publicly in 2008 and have since garnered acclaim.

In addition to his compositional work, Arlen served as a music critic for the Los Angeles Times for over three decades and was a founding figure in the Music Department at Loyola Marymount University. His life in America was marked by a rich tapestry of friendships with notable composers such as Stravinsky, Milhaud, and Villa-Lobos. Arlen's legacy endures not just through his music but also through his inspiring journey from a young refugee to a respected figure in the American music scene.