Vienna
Completed

Discover the Enduring Legacy of Erwin Ratz (1898-1973): Baker, Music Theorist, Humanist Exhibition

Explore Ratz's deep connections to Arnold Schönberg and Hanns Eisler, alongside his musical and humanitarian contributions.

This exhibition illuminates the remarkable life of Erwin Ratz (1898-1973), a figure known as a baker, music theorist, and humanist. Discover his profound impact on musicology, from studies with Arnold Schönberg to publishing 'Vienna Urtext' editions of Beethoven. Explore his courageous humanitarian actions during WWII, recognized by Yad Vashem. Listening stations featuring music by Mahler and Eisler offer deeper insights into his diverse legacy.

About Erwin Ratz (1898 – 1973): Bäcker – Musiktheoretiker – Humanist at Gold and Silversmith Museum in Vienna

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Erwin Ratz (1898 – 1973): Bäcker – Musiktheoretiker – Humanist at Gold and Silversmith Museum in Vienna

Exhibition summary

This exhibition honors Erwin Ratz (1898-1973), exploring his multifaceted life as a baker, music theorist, and humanist. Ratz was a student of Arnold Schönberg, a friend and musical editor for Hanns Eisler, and instrumental in publishing 'Vienna Urtext' editions of Beethoven and Schubert sonatas.

Curatorial context

The exhibition 'Erwin Ratz (1898 – 1973): Bäcker – Musiktheoretiker – Humanist' delves into the diverse life and contributions of Erwin Ratz. Ratz's academic pursuits included studying composition with Arnold Schönberg and serving as a close associate and musical editor for the composer Hanns Eisler. His significant work in musicology involved producing the 'Vienna Urtext' editions of the piano sonatas by Beethoven and Schubert for Universal Edition Vienna. Beyond his musical endeavors, Ratz inherited and managed his family's "k.u.k. Hofkonditorei Ratz" (Imperial and Royal Court Confectionery Ratz). Erwin Ratz was a co-founder and served as president of the International Gustav Mahler Society until his death in 1973. During the Nazi era, his family's apartment was a site for clandestine meetings, and Ratz actively aided numerous Jewish individuals by financing their escape. In recognition of these humanitarian efforts, Erwin Ratz and his first wife, Lonny Ribbentrop, were honored as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem in 2014, with a ceremony held at Vienna's City Hall in 2016. The exhibition features four listening stations presenting music by Beethoven, Schubert, Mahler, and Eisler, alongside spoken contributions from Ratz, Eisler, Zubin Mehta, Rene Staar, and others. This exhibition was created in collaboration with the International Hanns Eisler Society and the University of Music and Performing Arts, and curated by Antonia Teibler.

Admission and ticket notes

Information about visiting the exhibition, including opening hours and contact details, can be found via the museum's website. Specific ticketing details are not provided on this page.

Erwin Ratz (1898 – 1973): Bäcker – Musiktheoretiker – Humanist key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Erwin Ratz (1898 – 1973): Bäcker – Musiktheoretiker – Humanist at Gold and Silversmith Museum in Vienna

Venue
Gold and Silversmith Museum
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Nov 29, 2023 – Dec 18, 2024
Artist line / attribution
The exhibition honors Erwin Ratz and features contributions from Antonia Teibler, the International Hanns Eisler Society, and the University of Music and Performing Arts. It also includes spoken contributions from Hanns Eisler, Zubin Mehta, and Rene Staar, among others.
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