Bernd Scholz

Bernd Scholz (February 28, 1911 – September 22, 1969) was a German composer. His also assumed the pen name Klaus Textor for his popular compositions.

Scholz was born in Neustadt in Oberschlesien (now Prudnik). Even as a child he wished to become a composer, writing his first composition at age 12. After graduation, he went to Berlin where he studied German and music at the Akademie für Schul- und Kirchenmusik. His radio plays for the Berlin radio lead to film assignments including scores for the feature-length Nanga Parbat films of German expeditions in the Himalayas. He fought in the second world war and was held as a Soviet prisoner until 1950.

He returned to West Germany in 1950, married, had three children, and settled in Schliersee. He found employment in radio and television, working with the directors Lietzau, Beauvais, Düggelin, Schlechte, Westphal, and ten Haaf. He participated in the 1954 contemporary music festival in Donauschingen where his works were conducted by Hans Rosbaud (the same year when American composer John Cage's appearance became a legendary fiasco). He wrote his Japan Concerto for classical guitarist Siegfried Behrend and a large concerto for bandleader Willi Stech. He produced works for a festival of easy music, and his works were recorded and broadcast by all the major German broadcasters.

He is buried at the Schliersee cemetery.

Read more about this composer on Wikipedia.