Kukuck, Felicitas (1914–2001)

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Kukuck, Felicitas (1914–2001)

German composer and teacher. Born Nov 2, 1914, in Hamburg, Germany; died in 2001; taught at home by mother who was a singer; studied at Hochschule für Musik in Berlin, 1935–39; studied composition with Paul Hindemith.

A German Christian of partially Jewish ancestry, lost her teaching position and freedom during Nazi years; following war, went on to become one of Germany's most respected composers of music for Protestant church services; influenced by the choral traditions of German musical history, wrote a Christmas Mass and a Reformation Cantata; conducted world premiere of her church opera, The Man Moses (1986).