Fritz Stüssi (1874-1923) attended the Gymnasium in Zurich as well as the Zurich Music School, from which he graduated as a pianist and composer. He then continued his studies at the Royal Academy of Music in Berlin (counterpoint with Reinhold Succo, composition with Max Bruch). After his return to Switzerland, Stüssi took over the direction of various choirs in Wädenswil, where he also took up residence in 1898. In 1902 he was elected organist and from then on had a lasting influence on musical events in and around Wädenswil.

Stüssi’s oratorio Vergehen und Auferstehen was performed in 1914 and Psalm 28 in 1921. Between 1898 and 1912, Stüssi also took over the direction of other choirs and orchestras in Uster, Männedorf, Rapperswil, Lachen, Richterswil, Thalwil and Zurich. He was thus a kind of music king around Lake Zurich. The associated workload took its toll on Stüssi’s health. He died completely unexpectedly on 14 March 1923.

Fritz Stüssi left around 130 compositions to posterity, including six orchestral works, two oratorios as well as various cantatas, motets and songs. The handwritten music of his works was kept privately by the composer’s son, Prof. Dr. Fritz Stüssi, until 1979, when it was handed over to the Zurich Central Library by one of the composer’s grandsons, Dr. Hans Kaspar Schulthess, with the agreement of the Stüssi heirs. As the composer’s grandson, Dr Ulrich Stüssi is now making the work known to the public again for the first time in about 100 years.