Volfgangs Dārziņš

Volfgangs Dārziņš (25 September 1906 – 24 June 1962) was a Latvian composer, pianist and music critic.

Volfgangs Dārziņš was born in 25, September 1906 in Riga to Latvian composer Emīls Dārziņš and Marija Deidere. He was named Volfgangs in honour of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He studied composition in Latvian conservatory under Jāzeps Vītols and graduated in 1929. Later he continued studies in conservatories piano class which he graduated in 1934. In 1933 Dārziņš participated in VIII Latvian National song festival where several of his Latvian folk song arrangements was acclaimed. He also worked for several Latvian newspapers as music critic. Overall he has published more than 1000 articles. During this time he also became known for extensive research into Latvian folk music, mapping the distribution of many folk songs.

Volfgangs Dārziņš is best known for his ability to include folk motives into classical music. He has made more than 200 Latvian folk song arrangements for piano and voice and also for symphonic orchestra. Also, he has written two piano concerts and several suites. He developed a strong original style, influenced to some degree by Bartók and Stravinsky. His compositions are in three categories: piano, solo vocal and choral.