Toch, Ernst

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A native of Vienna, Toch emigrated to Great Britain in 1933 and shortly later to the U.S. After the war he stayed in Europe for a time and then returned to the U.S. in 1952. Lilly Toch (née Zwack) was Ernst's wife; they married in 1916. Ernst and Lilly appear to have been good friends of Alma Mahler.

From the description of Correspondence to Alma Mahler, 1948-1963. (University of Pennsylvania Library). WorldCat record id: 155864622

Austrian composer, pianist, and teacher, naturalized American.

From the description of Autograph letter signed, dated : Vienna, 10 November 1927, to Herr [Hermann] Scherchen, 1927 Nov. 10. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270677750

Suggested by Sir James Barrie's play. Commissioned by the Serge Koussevitzky Music Foundation in the Library of Congress for the Seattle Symphony. First performance Seattle, 13 February 1956, Seattle Symphony, Milton Katims conductor. Dedicated to the memory of Serge and Natalie Koussevitzky.--Cf. Fleisher Collection.

From the description of Peter Pan : a fairy tale for orchestra in three parts, op. 76 / Ernstoch [sic]. [19--] (Franklin & Marshall College). WorldCat record id: 56103083

Toch was born on Dec. 7, 1887 in Vienna; taught himself piano in his grandmother's pawnshop; learned musical notation from a local violinist, and copied Mozart's string quartets for practice; began to compose chamber music, and at age 17 had a quartet performed; in 1909 he won the prestigious Mozart Prize and a scholarship to study at the Frankfurt Conservatory, where he studied piano with Willy Rehberg and composition with Iwan Knorr; won the Mendelssohn Prize in 1910 and the Austrian State Prize four times in succession; in 1913 he was appointed teacher of composition at the Mannheim Musikhochschule; married Lilly Zwack in 1916; earned Dr. phil. degree in 1921; taught piano and composition in Berlin from 1929-33, leaving at the onset of the Nazi regime for Paris, London, and finally the US, where he taught at the New School for Social Research in New York (1934-36); taught at the Univ. of Southern CA (1937-48), afterward giving private instruction; lived in Vienna and Switzerland from 1950-58, then spent the remainder of his life in LA; won the Pulitzer and Huntington-Hartford Prizes for his Third Symphony (1956).

Was elected to the American National Institute of Arts and Letters (1956), received honorary citations from the German and Austrian governments, and won a Grammy Award (1960); publications include Melodielehre (1923) and The shaping forces in music (1948); his compositions encompass all genres and include Fuge aus der Geographie (1930), Seven symphonies, 13 string quartets, several chamber operas, and music for films; he died on Oct. 1, 1964 in LA.

From the description of Archive, ca. 1835-1988. (University of California, Los Angeles). WorldCat record id: 41950826

Biographical Note

Ernst Toch was born on Dec. 7, 1887 in Vienna; taught himself piano in his grandmother's pawnshop; learned musical notation from a local violinist, and copied Mozart's string quartets for practice; began to compose chamber music, and at age 17 had a quartet performed; in 1909 he won the prestigious Mozart Prize and a scholarship to study at the Frankfurt Conservatory, where he studied piano with Willy Rehberg and composition with Iwan Knorr; won the Mendelssohn Prize in 1910 and the Austrian State Prize four times in succession; in 1913 he was appointed teacher of composition at the Mannheim Musikhochschule; married Lilly Zwack in 1916; earned Dr. phil. degree in 1921; taught piano and composition in Berlin from 1929-33, leaving at the onset of the Nazi regime for Paris, London, and finally the US, where he taught at the New School for Social Research in New York (1934-36); taught at the Univ. of Southern CA (1937-48), afterward giving private instruction; lived in Vienna and Switzerland from 1950-58, then spent the remainder of his life in LA; won the Pulitzer and Huntington-Hartford Prizes for his Third Symphony (1956), was elected to the American National Institute of Arts and Letters (1956), received honorary citations from the German and Austrian governments, and won a Grammy Award (1960); publications include Melodielehre (1923) and The shaping forces in music (1948); his compositions encompass all genres and include Fuge aus der Geographie (1930), Seven symphonies, 13 string quartets, several chamber operas, and music for films; he died on Oct. 1, 1964 in LA.

From the guide to the Ernst Toch Archive, ca. 1835-1988, (University of California, Los Angeles. Library. Performing Arts Special Collections)

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Kleine Theater-Suite; op. 54. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Konzert für Violoncell und Kammerorchester, op. 35. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Correspondence to Alma Mahler, 1948-1963. University of Pennsylvania Libraries, Van Pelt Library
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. The last tale; opera in one act. Libretto by Melchior Lengyel. University of California, Los Angeles
referencedIn The Mel Powell Papers, 1942-1991, inclusive Irving S. Gilmore Music Library
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Die Prinzessin auf der Erbse. University of California, Los Angeles
referencedIn Bacon, Ernst. Papers, 1926-1990 Stanford University. Department of Special Collections and University Archives
creatorOf Langinger, Herman. Herman Langinger music publishing files, 1889-1972 (bulk 1927-1955). Library of Congress
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Chamber symphony [for ten solo instruments]. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Pastorale (Quintett für Flöte, Oboe, Klarinette, Fagott u. Horn) aus der Musik in den "Bacchansinnen" des Euripides. University of California, Los Angeles
referencedIn Koussevitzky, Serge, 1874-1951. Serge Koussevitzky Archive, 1920-1976 (bulk: 1924-1951) Library of Congress. Music Division
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Sonata for piano, 4 hands. University of California, Los Angeles
referencedIn Yaddo records, 1870-1980 New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
referencedIn Nicolas Slonimsky Collection, 1873-1997, (bulk 1920-1990) Library of Congress. Music Division
referencedIn Jascha Heifetz Collection, 1802-1987, (bulk 1911-1974) Library of Congress. Music Division
referencedIn Emergency Committee in Aid of Displaced Foreign Scholars. Emergency Committee in Aid of Displaced Foreign Scholars records. 1927-1949. New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division
referencedIn Rudolf Kolisch papers, 1886-1978. Houghton Library
referencedIn The Leonard Burkat Papers, 1943-1981 (inclusive) Irving S. Gilmore Music Library
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Symphony for piano and orchestra (2d piano concerto) Op. 61. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Short story [Op. 82?]. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Der Abend (R.M. Rilke). University of California, Los Angeles
referencedIn The Karl Weigl Papers, 1894-1986 (inclusive) Irving S. Gilmore Music Library
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Archive, ca. 1835-1988. University of California, Los Angeles
referencedIn Alfred Leonard and Joseph Leonard Collection, 1902-2001 University of California, Los Angeles. Library. Performing Arts Special Collections.
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Streichquartett, Op. 34. University of California, Los Angeles
referencedIn Moholy-Nagy, László, 1895-1946. Letters, 1924-1938. Getty Research Institute
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Fanal, für gr. Orchester und Orgel. Op. 45. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Stammbuchverse; für Klavier zu 2 Händen. Op. 13. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. 5 Klavierstücke, Capriccetti, op. 36. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Phantastische Nachtmusik : für Orchester / von Ernst Toch. The Juilliard School, Lila Acheson Wallace Library
referencedIn Ronell, Ann,. An oral history interview with Ann Ronell / conducted for the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music by Kim Kowalke and Lys Symonette, New York City, 1988 June 23 : recording and transcript. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
referencedIn Powell, Mel. The Mel Powell papers, 1942-1991 (inclusive). Yale University, Music Library
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. An mein Vaterland; Symphonie f. grosser Orchester, Orgel, Sopran-Solo und Chor. Klavier Auszug und Text. Op. 23. University of California, Los Angeles
referencedIn Herman Langinger Music Publishing Files, 1889-1972, (bulk 1927-1955) Library of Congress. Music Division
referencedIn Feuchtwanger, Marta,. An oral history interview with Marta Feuchtwanger / conducted for the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music by Alan Rich, Los Angeles, 1984 : recording and transcript. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Punch and Judy [unfinished] University of California, Los Angeles
referencedIn The Bell Telephone Hour collection of sound recordings [sound recording], 1940-1968 The New York Public Library. Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound.
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Die Prinzessin auf der Erbse. Op. 43. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Five pieces for wind instruments and percussion; op. 83. University of California, Los Angeles
referencedIn Moldenhauer Archives at the Library of Congress, circa 1000-circa 1990 Library of Congress. Music Division
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Sonate für Violine und Klavier, op. 44. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Komödie für Orchester [in einem Satz] Op. 42. University of California, Los Angeles
referencedIn The Mel Powell Papers, 1942-1991, inclusive Irving S. Gilmore Music Library
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Erste Symphonie, op. 72. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Heilige (R.M. Rilke). University of California, Los Angeles
referencedIn Weigl, Karl, 1881-1949. The Karl Weigl Papers. 1894-1986 (inclusive). Yale University, Music Library
referencedIn Klein, Walther, 1882-1961. Walther Klein papers, 1923-1987. California Digital Library
creatorOf Duruflé, Maurice, 1902-1986. [Spring concert] [sound recording] / [by Central State College Choir, Men's and Women's Glee clubs ; Coleman Smith, director]. University of Central Oklahoma, Chambers Library
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Zweite Symphonie, Op. 73. University of California, Los Angeles
referencedIn Rudolf Kolisch papers, 1886-1978. Houghton Library
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Pinocchio; a merry overture. University of California, Los Angeles
referencedIn Correspondence from the Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge Foundation Collection, 1894-1953, (bulk 1920-1953) Library of Congress. Music Division
referencedIn Bacon, Ernst, 1898-1990. Ernst Bacon papers, 1926-1990. Stanford University. Department of Special Collections and University Archives
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Quartet no. 14, op. 89. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Sonatinetta, for flute, clarinet and bassoon. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Song of myself, from "Leaves of Grass" by Walt Whitman, for mixed chorus a capella. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Capriccio, op. / Ernst Toch. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Main (Oakland)
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. There is a season for everything : (Ecclesiastes, essay II) / Ernst Toch. Northwestern University
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Cantata of the bitter herbs [op. 65] Passover service [for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, Narrator and Orchestra. Words from the Bible (Psalm 126) Text put together from different passages of the "Hagada" and other scriptures related to the Passover Holidays, by Rabbi Sonderling. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Ouverture zur Oper "Der Fächer." University of California, Los Angeles
referencedIn Kaufman, Louis, 1905-1994. Louis Kaufman collection, 1925-2008. Library of Congress
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Musik für Orchester und eine Baritonstimme [nach Worten von Rainer Maria Rilke] Op. 60. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Symphony Nr. 4. Op. 80. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. The enamoured harlequin : op. 94 = Der verliebte Harlekin / Ernst Toch. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Main (Oakland)
referencedIn Serge Diaghilev/Serge Lifar Collection, 1750-1950, (bulk 1890-1929) Library of Congress. Music Division
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Peter Pan : a fairy tale for orchestra in three parts, op. 76 / Ernstoch [sic]. Free Library of Philadelphia, Parkway Central Library
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. The last tale; opera in one act by Melchoir Lengyel. Translated from the Hungarian by Cornel Lengyel. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. 5 Stücke für Kammerorchester, Op. 33. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Der Fächer (The fan). University of California, Los Angeles
referencedIn E. Robert Schmitz Papers, 1909-1991 (inclusive) Irving S. Gilmore Music Library
referencedIn National Orchestral Association collection of rehearsal and concert recordings [sound recording], 1938-1968 The New York Public Library. Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound.
referencedIn Louis Kaufman Collection, 1925-2008 Library of Congress. Music Division
referencedIn The Moldenhauer Archives at Harvard University: Correspondence, literary manuscripts, sound recordings, and other material, 1873-2001. Houghton Library
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Bunte Suite; für Orchester. Op. 48. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. String quartet, A minor. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Big Ben. Variation phantasy on the Westminster chimes, op. 62. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Autograph letter signed, dated : Vienna, 10 November 1927, to Herr [Hermann] Scherchen, 1927 Nov. 10. Pierpont Morgan Library.
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. 2 Divertimenti, Op. 37. Nr. 1 für Violine & Violoncell. Nr. 2 für Violine u. Bratsche. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf NCSA Wind Ensemble. Wind ensemble [sound recording]. University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Semans Library
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Das Wasser, op. 53. [Kantate nach Worten von Alfred Döblin für Tenor, Bariton, Sprecher und Chor mit Instrumenten; Flöte, Trompete, Violinen, Violoncelli, Kontrabass und Schlagzeug. University of California, Los Angeles
creatorOf Ernst Toch Archive, ca. 1835-1988 University of California, Los Angeles. Library. Performing Arts Special Collections.
creatorOf Toch, Ernst, 1887-1964. Egon und Emilie : kein Familiendrama : op. 46 / von Christian Morgenstern ; Musik von Ernst Toch. University of California, Los Angeles
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Andersen, H. C. (Hans Christian), 1805-1875. person
associatedWith Bacon, Ernst, 1898- person
associatedWith Bacon, Ernst, 1898-1990. person
associatedWith Burkat, Leonard, 1919-1992. person
correspondedWith Coolidge, Elizabeth Sprague, 1864-1953 person
associatedWith Diaghilev, Serge, 1872-1929 person
associatedWith Elkan, Benno, 1877-1960. person
associatedWith Emergency Committee in Aid of Displaced Foreign Scholars corporateBody
associatedWith E. Robert Schmitz person
associatedWith Feuchtwanger, Marta, person
associatedWith Heifetz, Jascha, 1901-1987 person
correspondedWith Kaufman, Louis, 1905-1994. person
associatedWith Klein, Walther, 1882-1961. person
correspondedWith Kolisch, Rudolf, 1896-1978 person
correspondedWith Koussevitzky, Serge, 1874-1951 person
associatedWith Langinger, Herman person
associatedWith Langinger, Herman. person
associatedWith Lengyel, Menyhért, 1880-1974. person
associatedWith Leonard, Alfred person
associatedWith Leonard Burkat person
associatedWith Lion, Ferdinand, 1883-1965. person
associatedWith Mary Flagler Cary Music Collection (Pierpont Morgan Library) corporateBody
associatedWith Mel Powell person
associatedWith Moholy-Nagy, László, 1895-1946. person
associatedWith Moldenhauer, Hans. person
associatedWith Moldenhauer, Hans, collector. person
associatedWith Morgenstern, Christian, 1871-1914 person
associatedWith National Orchestral Association (U.S.) corporateBody
associatedWith NCSA Wind Ensemble. corporateBody
associatedWith Northwestern University (Evanston, Ill.). Music Library. General Manuscript Collection. corporateBody
associatedWith Powell, Mel. person
associatedWith Ronell, Ann, person
associatedWith Scherchen, Hermann, 1891-1966, person
correspondedWith Slonimsky, Nicolas, 1894-1995 person
associatedWith Toch, Lilly. person
associatedWith Toch, Lilly, 1892-1972. person
associatedWith Weigl, Karl, 1881-1949. person
associatedWith Yaddo (Artist's colony) corporateBody
Place Name Admin Code Country
Subject
Cantatas
Cantatas, Secular
Chamber orchestra music
Choruses, Sacred (Mixed voices, 4 parts) with orchestra and organ
Choruses, Secular (Mixed voices, 7 parts), Unaccompanied
Composers
Concertos (Organ)
Concertos (Piano)
Concertos (Violoncello with chamber orchestra)
Music
Music
Music
Operas
Opera
Operatic scenes
Orchestral music
Orchestral music
Orchestral music
Overtures
Piano music
Psalms (Music)
Sacred monologues with music (Chorus with orchestra)
Sacred songs (High voice) with instrumental ensemble
Sonatas (Piano, 4 hands)
Sonatas (Violin and piano)
Songs (High voice) with piano
Songs (Medium voice) with orchestra
String quartets
String quartets
Suites (Orchestra)
Suites (Piano)
Suites (Violin and viola)
Suites (Violin and violoncello)
Symphonies
Symphonies (Chamber orchestra)
Variations (Orchestra)
Wind ensembles
Wind quintets (Bassoon, clarinet, flute, horn, oboe)
Wind trios (Bassoon, clarinet, flute)
Occupation
Composers
Activity

Person

Birth 1887-12-07

Death 1964-10-01

Americans

English,

German

Information

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