Hans Ulrich Staeps composer

Hans Ulrich Staeps (1909–1988) was a German composer, music professor and professional recorder player. Staeps was born in Dortmund and was a professor at the Vienna Conservatory from 1940-1975. He was a prolific composer of recorder works, writing over 20 pieces for the instrument in a period of 30 years. Many of these compositions are works for recorder ensembles from 2 to 6 recorders, sometimes with piano, cembalo or guitar accompaniment. He also wrote songs, made transcriptions of classical works for recorder and wrote didactic books on player the recorder amongst others. Staeps was known to improvise his piano accompaniments, which often feature complex harmonies, with great ease.