Stefan Wolpe

Stefan Wolpe , 1902-72, German-American composer. Of Jewish ancestry, he went to live in Palestine in 1933, but settled in the United States in 1938. Wolpe wrote several operas and cantatas and a good deal of chamber music. His style embraces many elements, from folk music to modern jazz to a form of twelve-tone technique. His works include the opera Zeus and Elida (1927), the cantata On the Education of Man (1930), and the ballet The Man from Midian (1942).

Wolpe, Stefan (b Berlin, 1902; d NY, 1972). Ger.born composer (Amer. cit. 1944). Wrote th. mus. for Brecht in 1920s and was ardent radical socialist, writing works on political themes. Went to Austria 1933, then to Palestine 1934–8 (prof. of comp. at Cons.), finally to USA. Taught at various colls. in NY 1938–52. Head of mus. dept., Long Island Univ., 1957–68, prof. of comp. Mannes College, 1968. Most of his later works employ serial technique based on small pitch cells rather than on 12-note rows. Also influenced by Jewish mus. traditions and harmonies. Works incl. 2 operas, ballet The Man from Midian (1942), incid. music for plays by G. von Wangenheim and Brecht, sym., several cantatas, tpt. conc., chamber mus. for various combinations, and songs.