Grete von Zieritz

Grete von Zieritz´s life (1899 - 2001) is difficult to classify. It was regarded as modern, expressive and experimental, with her work being characterized by amazing individuality. The “Japanese songs” were based on a poem cycle by Paul Alfred Enderling and were premiered in 1919. Only then did Zieritz decide to become a composer and became a member of the experimental masterclass of the composer Franz Schreker, who was then known as “degenerate”. She had to earn her living expenses as a concert pianist up to her 70th year.