Dreikurs, Rudolf

Dreikurs was born in Vienna in 1897 into a merchant family that had attained comfort without opulence. A first born with a sister 5 years younger, he learned music at an early age as well as foreign languages (French and English) when a little older. He retained his love of music throughout his lifetime. As an adult he composed songs, and he played chamber music in his home, at varying times playing the piano, violin, viola, and cello. He loved playing the piano and often played four-handed pieces or even two-piano music when another musician was available. From the age of 50 onward, he had two pianos in his home.

With the arrival of the World War I, Dreikurs became a soldier at the age of 18 and was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Austrian Army. During his adolescent years, he had become involved in youth groups focusing on idealistic causes, involving humanism and nature and social ideals. From an early age, he recognized the negative consequences of autocratic rule. In his...