The University of Music Würzburg mourns the loss of the former director of the Hermann Zilcher Conservatory and former colleague Erwin Horn (October 22, 1940 - July 11, 2025)

The organist and music theorist Erwin Horn was a lecturer in music theory from 1980 to 1997 and director of the Hermann Zilcher Conservatory in Würzburg from 1997 to 2001. After its transfer to the University of Music in 2001, he was press officer for the university until his retirement in 2005. Before teaching in Würzburg, he was the first regional cantor of the Würzburg diocese from 1971 to 1977.

In addition to research, lectures and publications on numerous composers, Erwin Horn devoted himself in particular to the life and work of Anton Bruckner. The Würzburg Bruckner Festivals (1993, 1996, 1999, 2002) were not least due to his initiative. In 2010, he was awarded the Golden Bruckner Medal by the Upper Austrian Bruckner Association for his services to Bruckner research.

His in-depth study of the orchestral sound structures of the organ on the one hand and Romantic sound possibilities on the other is reflected in his many CD recordings of symphonic movements by Anton Bruckner and other Romantic composers, as well as in organ versions of extensive opera parts by Richard Wagner.

Erwin Horn was a formative personality in Würzburg's musical life. He was highly committed to the interests of his staff at the Hermann Zilcher Conservatory. He remained associated with the University of Music until the end and was a frequent guest at concerts.

We will always honor Erwin Horn's memory.

On behalf of the University of Music Würzburg

Prof. Dr. Christoph Wünsch, President | RD Roland Ulsamer, Chancellor

Prof. Clara Blessing, Vice President | Prof. Dr. Andreas C. Lehmann, Vice President
Prof. Jürgen Ruck, Vice President