Walter Müller von Kulm(1899–1967)

Walter Müller von Kulm was born in Basel, Switzerland. He trained as a primary school teacher and began his music studies at the Basel Conservatory at the age of 28. His teachers in Basel were Rudolf Moser (composition), Gustav Güldenstein (theory) and Felix Weingartner (conducting). He also took composition lessons with Volkmar Andreae in Zurich. While still a student, he began his career as one of the most successful Swiss composers of his time. In 1930 his Chamber Concerto for Violin and String Orchestra op. 23 was premiered by the Basel Chamber Orchestra (BKO) under the direction of Paul Sacher. He subsequently composed six works for the BKO and Paul Sacher. Müller von Kulm was director of the Basel Music Academy from 1947-1964 and conducted the Basel Bach Choir from 1939-1954. His compositional oeuvre comprises 82 works. The autograph of both pieces for viola and organ op. 73 is in the University Library of Basel. This is the first time the work is available in printed form.