Hans Haselböck, 93, Austrian organist and composer, died October 20. Born July 26, 1928, in Nesselstauden, Austria, he attended school in Krems an der Donau. Beginning in 1947, he studied at the University of Music and the Performing Arts in Vienna as well as at the University of Vienna (classics and German), where he earned his doctorate in 1953.
In 1949, Haselböck became organist of the Dominican Church in Vienna, serving for more than 65 years. He taught Latin and German at the city’s Sigmund Freud Gymnasium. He won three consecutive first prizes at the Haarlem International Organ Improvisation Competition, 1958–1960, and in 1960 was appointed to the faculty of the Vienna University of Music and the Performing Arts. There he taught organ and improvisation, serving as chair of the church music department between 1963 and 1987. He was appointed professor of organ and improvisation in 1972. Between 1985 and 1990 he served as deputy director of the school.
Haselböck performed extensively throughout Europe, the United States, Japan, and Korea. He was a published composer as well as editor of numerous editions. His research into the history of the organ and performance practice led to several book-length publications. He served as juror at various international organ competitions. In 1997, Haselböck was awarded the Decoration of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria.
Among his survivors are his sons, Martin Haselböck, organist, conductor, and composer; and Lukas Haselböck, composer, musicologist, and vocalist.
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