Meinrad Schütter: Maverick Swiss Composer

Meinrad Schütter is one of the most intriguing of recent Swiss composers. His music offers a highly personal synthesis of 20th-century European modernisms, from Hindemith to Bartók, Stravinsky, Berg and beyond.

Meinrad Schütter (1910-2006) is one of the most intriguing of recent Swiss composers. He was born in Chur in the Swiss Alps, studied at the Zurich Conservatoire, attended Paul Hindemith’s classes at Zurich University, and enjoyed early support from the conductor Hermann Scherchen. Schütter’s wayward attitude towards authority resulted in his debarment from the Swiss Musicians’ Association and its manifold opportunities for advancement, but avid study and a thirst to acquaint himself with the latest trends led to his developing an idiosyncratic style, initially Neo-Classical but later featuring elements of serialism and even aleatory.

After retirement, Schütter enjoyed a remarkable Indian summer, bringing forth several dozen songs, chamber and orchestral works. Many have now been recorded, garnering enthusiastic reviews. This book is the first in English to examine his life and music.