Franz Peter Cibulka (1946-2016) was an Austrian clarinetist, composer, conductor, and educator primarily known for his works for clarinet ensemble and symphonic band. He taught at the Johann Joseph Fux Konservatorium in Graz. His prolific output of over 500 works includes pieces for winds, brass, choir, strings, and electronics. Franz was beloved by his students.
Cibulka’s music is distinguished by a unique modern Austrian idiom, marked by sophistication and expressive storytelling. His compositions make a substantial contribution to contemporary literature for woodwinds and brass. Notable clarinet works like “Claroness” and “s’Zwitscherl” exhibit a captivating quality, reflecting Cibulka’s deep interest in the instrument and its expressive potential.
Since our first collaboration at the 2015 ICA ClarinetFest in Madrid, and especially after his passing in 2016, I am promoting, editing, and curating Franz Cibulka’s works, while also staying in close collaboration with his family.
Catalog of Works
Franz Cibulka’s Catalog of Works
This catalog serves as the central, comprehensive database for exploring Cibulka’s compositions, organized in multiple ways: alphabetically, by genre, and by level of difficulty. It also includes music samples and recordings featuring the composer.
It is actively managed by Dr. Barbara Heilmair and Michael Cibulka. This ongoing process involves regularly updating and expanding the catalogue as new or rediscovered works from the oeuvre are identified.
Concerts and Premiere Performances
To make Cibulka’s music more known in the United States and elsewhere, I regularly play and conduct his pieces.
Many of these concerts feature premiere performances in the USA or worldwide.
In 2025, the American composer Nicole Buetti was commissioned to write a piece in memory of Franz Cibulka and Gary Gray.
Claroness Madrid Version
2015 ICA Madrid ClarinetFest
S’Zwitscherl für Zwei
2015 Portland State University Clarinet Symposium
S’Zwitscherl für Zwei
2018 Galerie Benzenberg/ Germany
Zweites Bläserquintett
2019 PSU Noon Concert
s’Zwitscherl for Clarinet and Piano
2023 PSU Noon Concert
Stille Gedanken for Clarinet Choir
2024 Tigard United Methodist Church
Sonatine for Clarinet and Piano
2025 PSU Noon Concert
Suite No. 10 “Australia” for Clarinet Quartet
2025 PSU Noon Concert
Musik für Klarinettenquartett
2025 PSU Noon Concert
Elegie (arranged for Two Clarinets and Piano by Heilmair)
2025 PSU Single Reed Day
Elegie (arranged for Two Clarinets and Piano by Heilmair)
2025, Germany, Forthcoming
More Music To Come
Stay Tuned...
New Editions and Recordings
As a direct result of my collaboration with Franz Cibulka, updates and thoughtful revisions are made to his sheet music. This process remains ongoing.
In 2015, Cibulka has arranged his charismatic “s’Zwitscherl” as “s’Zwitscherl Fuer Zwei” for the Trio s’Zwitscherl.
The ensemble was the first to ever record the piece.
Reviews
I commend Heilmair for bringing more attention to Cibulka in this country. (…) I find Cibulka’s music to be uniquely Austrian, not fitting into a larger Germanic tradition as many other Austrian composers traditionally have.
— NACWPI Journal, Winter 2020, Eric Schultz
Thanks to Heilmair, we now have a definitive version of the work as a result of her collaboration with the composer and revision of at least two previous versions of the work. (…) What better way to honor the legacy of Franz Cibulka!
— NACWPI Journal, Winter 2019, Eric Schultz