Born in Hamburg, Berthold Goldschmidt studied in Berlin, where his teachers included Franz Schreker. He won a growing reputation in Germany, and seemed on the verge of further significant success when compelled to take refuge in London from the new National Socialist regime. He found his music largely neglected and, having a parallel career as a conductor, he only began to compose again from 1982, when his earlier music started to attract attention once more.

Operas and Stage Music

Goldschmidt’s opera Der gewaltige Hahnrei (‘The Magnificent Cuckold’) had initial success in Germany before 1933. In England he wrote the opera Beatrice Cenci, based on Shelley. Other stage and dramatic works include incidental music for the BBC and a ballet, Chronica.

Orchestral and Chamber Music

Goldschmidt’s orchestral music includes concertos for violin, for cello and for clarinet, and his chamber music includes four string quartets, among other works.