Gerhard Dorda combined music and physics. After studying classical composition and physics in Prague, Dorda worked for Siemens in the Munich research laboratories from 1968. In 1971 he demonstrated surface quantization effects of semiconductors to explain the piezoelectric effect in MOSFETs at room temperature, contributed significantly to the quantum Hall effect. In 1994, he moved to the University of the German Armed Forces as a consultant. There he focused on processes of sensory perception, in particular time perception, which is a prerequisite for the perception of music – including his music. As a composer, Dorda has written orchestral works, vocal works and chamber music.
The Czech-born composer was honored for his musical as well as scientific achievements. Among others, he received the Sudeten German Culture Prize for Music and the Cross of Merit on Ribbon of the Federal Republic of Germany for physics and composition. Dorda published over 100 scientific papers.