In memoriam Laurence Traiger

The fact that Laurence Traiger (*New York) had a special musical talent became apparent very early on. He began his training at the age of 14, and a scholarship took him to the University of Kansas, where he studied composition. This was followed by studies at the Mozarteum, the Conservatoire de Paris and the Hochschule für Musik in Munich - he left behind an impressive and varied oeuvre. His compositions, which ranged from chamber and orchestral music to vocal and film music, were characterised by their individuality and profound musicality. His ability to compose for unusual instruments such as the zither, lute or viola d'amore and thus expand the repertoire was particularly remarkable.

The outstanding composer, performer - on the piano or (baroque) violin and viola d'amore - and passionate music educator inspired generations of composers and music teachers from 1991 to 2022 as a teacher of composition at the Mozarteum University in Innsbruck and was closely associated with the Salzburg Pre-College as a teacher of music theory until the end. With his commitment to contemporary music, he was also an important source of inspiration for the International Society for New Music,

Composer and former Mozarteum University lecturer Klemens Vereno remembers his colleague and friend:

"Larry was one of my best friends since the beginning of his studies in Salzburg in 1976 with (also my teacher) Cesar Bresgen (with whom he shared the birthday 16. I particularly appreciated and admired him as a person, composer, musician, artist and teacher - in his straightforwardness, with which he developed and unfolded his musical language on the path he had chosen - in his modesty, in his envious collegiality, in his whimsical humour (which influenced many of his works and his teaching) - and also in his awareness of the social and spiritual roots and obligations of music (as many of the texts he set to music testify), although he never made a fuss about this - nor about his broad horizon of knowledge, skills, interests and experiences, not just musical ones. And now he was so suddenly torn from his rich work... Laurence Traiger will not only be sorely missed by his family, who meant so much to him - we will all miss him - his music, his friendship, his always young and alert, curious, enthusiastic presence, his laughter and his seriousness."

Laurence Traiger's dedication and love of music, his creative spirit and his unrivalled warm-heartedness will be remembered not only by his students, but by the entire Salzburg music scene.

The Mozarteum University mourns the loss of an extraordinary person, long-time colleague and great musician. It will always remember him with gratitude and honour.