Role

:

Conductor  

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

Günter Kehr was a German conductor and violinist who was born on August 25, 1920, in Frankfurt, Germany. He was the son of a violinist and began playing the violin at a young age. Kehr studied at the Frankfurt Conservatory and later at the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin. He also studied conducting with Wilhelm Furtwängler and Hermann Scherchen. Kehr began his career as a violinist, playing in various orchestras in Germany. In 1945, he became the concertmaster of the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra. He also began conducting at this time, leading the orchestra in performances of works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. In 1950, Kehr became the conductor of the Frankfurt Chamber Orchestra, a position he held for over 20 years. During this time, he also conducted the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra. Kehr was known for his interpretations of Baroque and Classical music, particularly the works of Bach and Handel. One of Kehr's most notable performances was his recording of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos with the Frankfurt Chamber Orchestra. The recording, which was released in 1959, was praised for its clarity and precision. Kehr's interpretation of the concertos was considered groundbreaking at the time, as he used period instruments and a smaller ensemble than was typical for the time. Kehr also conducted the first complete recording of Handel's Water Music, which was released in 1960. The recording was praised for its energy and vitality, and it helped to establish Kehr as a leading interpreter of Baroque music. In addition to his work as a conductor, Kehr was also a respected musicologist. He wrote several books on Baroque music, including a study of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos. He was also a professor of musicology at the Hochschule für Musik in Frankfurt. Kehr received several awards and honors throughout his career. In 1961, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his contributions to music. He was also awarded the Goethe Medal in 1970 for his work in promoting German culture. Kehr continued to conduct and perform until his death on June 9, 1989, in Frankfurt. He was remembered as a passionate and dedicated musician who made significant contributions to the interpretation and performance of Baroque and Classical music.

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