Günter Raphael (1903–1960)
Raphael was an extraordinarily versatile composer, whose works reflect a continuous preoccupation with tradition. As time went by, Raphael found the way to an unmistakable uniqueness obligated to luxurious sonorities and polyphony alike.
1903
Born in Berlin on 30 April. Studies with Arnold Ebel, Robert Kahn, Max Trapp, Walter Fischer and Arnold Mendelssohn (on Karl Straubes recommendation)
1913
First composition, a short lied for piano
1926-34
Teacher of music theory and composition at the State Conservatory and Institute for Church Music in Leipzig
1934-45
The Nazi regime forbids him to exercise his profession and prohibits all performances of his works. Inner emigration, free-lance activity in Meiningen.
1945-49
Continued free-lance activity in Laubach (Upper Hesse)
1949-53
Composition teacher at the Conservatory in Duisburg
1956-
Lecturer at the State Music Conservatory in Cologne
1956-58
Teacher at the Peter Cornelius Conservatory in Mainz
1957-60
Professor at the State Music Conservatory in Cologne.
1960
He died in Herford on 19 October.