Hanns Holenia

Hanns Holenia was born 5 July 1890 in Graz (Austria). He first studied philosophy and music in Graz under Roderich Mojsisovics von Mojsvar and later under Emil Nikolaus von Reznicek in Berlin. After World War I Hanns Holenia worked for the provincial government in Graz and became Kapellmeister in St. Gallen and Zürich from 1922 to 1932. During the World War II he taught at the School for Musical Education in Graz. After the war Hanns Holenia focused on composing and was one of the most distinguished and renowned composers in Austria. He died on 8 November 1972 in Graz.

In my possession is the autograph manuscript of the final quartet of the opera "Viola". The opera "Viola" was composed in 1932 and premiered on 17 November 1934 in Graz. The orchestra was conducted by Karl Rankl, leading parts sang by Harriet Henders (soprano) and Hanns Hauschild (tenor) and production by Herbert Furreg.

My autograph starts at rehearsal mark 124 (Andante dolce) and ends after mark 150. The score bears also an inscription from Hanns Holenia on the title page to Karl Rankl, the conductor of the world premiere, dated 17 November 1934, the day of the world premiere.

A review of the world premiere hailed the composition: "Finally an opera for our hearts, an opera as it should be, an opera that deserves the name".