author
Hugo von Hofmannsthal
1874–1929
A brilliant voice of fin-de-siècle Vienna, this Austrian writer became famous young and went on to shape modern literature, drama, and opera. He is especially remembered for his luminous language and for librettos written with composer Richard Strauss.
6 Audiobooks
Gedichte
by Hugo von Hofmannsthal
Jedermann: Das Spiel vom Sterben des reichen Mannes
by Hugo von Hofmannsthal
Der Schwierige: Lustspiel in drei Akten
by Hugo von Hofmannsthal
Der Tor und der Tod
by Hugo von Hofmannsthal
Der Tod des Tizian. Idylle. Zwei Dichtungen
by Hugo von Hofmannsthal
Jokamies : Vanha näytelmä rikkaan miehen kuolemasta
by Hugo von Hofmannsthal
About the author
Born in Vienna on February 1, 1874, Hugo von Hofmannsthal was a literary prodigy who began publishing poetry while still a teenager. His early verse quickly drew attention, and he grew into one of the defining writers of the German-speaking world at the turn of the twentieth century.
He worked across many forms—poetry, plays, essays, fiction, and librettos—and his writing is often praised for its musicality, elegance, and psychological depth. Beyond literature, he became internationally known through his collaboration with Richard Strauss on operas including Der Rosenkavalier, helping create some of the best-known works in the operatic repertory.
Hofmannsthal also played an important part in Austrian cultural life and was among the figures connected with the founding of the Salzburg Festival. He died on July 15, 1929, in Rodaun, near Vienna, but his work still stands as a vivid portrait of the beauty, tension, and uncertainty of his age.