Born in 1927, began in music when still very young. At the age of 13, he studied in Cologne with professors H. Lemacher (theory) and Bram Eldering (violin). Studies in composition were with H. Genzmer, P. Hindemith, N. Boulanger, E.-A. Cherbuliez, W. Fortner. along with diplomas in piano and bassoon, he also achieved degrees in philosophy, literature and musicology. After having occupied various teaching positions (Freiburg i. Br. and Karlsruhe), he has taught composition, music theory and musicology since 1973 at the Music Academy of Nuremberg. He has written more than 360 works in all genres (except opera), mainly for wind instruments, organ and choir. He has also written 16 concerrtos with symphony orchestra or wind ensemble accompaniment, plus various other works for these two groups.
