Walter Arlen. Obituary – Cause of Death : “Walter Arlen, Music Critic and Composer, Passes Away”

It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of Walter Arlen, a man who lived a truly remarkable life. Walter, who fled the Holocaust and started anew in America, made a name for himself as a respected music critic for The Los Angeles Times. But it was in his later years that he found his true passion as a composer.

Walter’s journey began in Vienna, where he was born in 1920. As the Nazi regime tightened its grip on Europe, Walter’s family made the difficult decision to flee their homeland. They settled in Los Angeles, where Walter eventually found work as a music critic. His insightful reviews and deep love for music endeared him to readers and musicians alike.

But it was in his later years that Walter truly came into his own as a composer. Despite starting later in life than most, Walter’s compositions were hailed for their emotional depth and beauty. His work was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of music to heal.

Walter’s passing is a loss not only to the music world but to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His kindness, wit, and passion for life will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.

Walter Arlen may no longer be with us, but his legacy will live on through his music and the countless lives he touched. Rest in peace, Walter.

Walter Arlen was a man who lived a life filled with music, perseverance, and a deep connection to his Jewish heritage. His journey began in Vienna, where he was born in 1920. However, his life took a drastic turn when the Nazis rose to power in Austria.

**Who was Walter Arlen?**

Walter Arlen was a Jewish composer and music critic who fled the Holocaust and eventually made a name for himself in the world of music. His career as a music critic for The Los Angeles Times allowed him to share his passion for music with a wide audience. Despite facing unimaginable hardships during his early years, he never lost his love for music.

**What was Walter Arlen’s early life like?**

Born Walter Aptowitzer in Vienna, Austria, Arlen grew up in a musical household. His father was a choral conductor, and his mother was a singer. He began studying music at a young age and showed immense talent as a pianist. However, his life took a devastating turn when the Nazis annexed Austria in 1938. As a Jewish man, Arlen was forced to flee his home and leave behind everything he knew.

**How did Walter Arlen’s life change after fleeing the Holocaust?**

After escaping Austria, Arlen made his way to the United States, where he eventually settled in Los Angeles. Despite the trauma of his past, he was determined to build a new life for himself. He changed his last name from Aptowitzer to Arlen, a nod to his admiration for composer Harold Arlen.

**What was Walter Arlen’s career like as a music critic?**

In Los Angeles, Arlen found success as a music critic for The Los Angeles Times. His reviews were known for their depth and insight, and he soon became a respected voice in the world of music criticism. His passion for music shone through in his writing, and he inspired countless readers with his love for the art form.

**How did Walter Arlen’s journey as a composer begin?**

Despite his success as a music critic, Arlen always harbored a deep desire to compose music himself. In his later years, he finally took the plunge and began composing in earnest. His compositions were deeply influenced by his Jewish heritage and his experiences during the Holocaust. Through his music, he found a way to express his pain, his resilience, and his hope for the future.

**What was Walter Arlen’s legacy in the world of music?**

Walter Arlen’s journey from Holocaust survivor to respected composer is a testament to the power of music to heal and inspire. His music reflects the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, and his story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and passion in the face of unimaginable challenges.

In a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty, Walter Arlen’s music continues to resonate with audiences around the world. His legacy lives on through his compositions, which serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Walter Arlen may have passed away, but his music and his story will continue to inspire generations to come.

In conclusion, Walter Arlen’s life is a shining example of the transformative power of music. From fleeing the Holocaust to finding success as a music critic and composer, he never lost sight of his passion for music. His story is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the ability of music to transcend even the darkest of times.

Sources:
1. [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/29/arts/music/walter-arlen-dead.html)
2. [NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/01/30/1076634510/walter-arlen-composer-who-fled-nazis-dies-at-101)