Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Ernst Wallfisch was a renowned classical music artist who was born on August 7, 1920, in Berlin, Germany. He was born into a family of musicians, and his father was a well-known conductor and composer. Wallfisch began his musical training at a young age, and he showed great promise as a cellist. In 1933, Wallfisch's family fled Germany due to the rise of the Nazi regime. They settled in England, where Wallfisch continued his musical studies at the Royal College of Music in London. He studied under the renowned cellist Ivor James, and he quickly established himself as a talented musician. During World War II, Wallfisch served in the British Army, and he continued to play the cello in various military bands. After the war, he resumed his musical career, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the finest cellists of his generation. Wallfisch made his debut as a soloist in 1947, and he quickly became known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music. He performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. One of Wallfisch's most memorable performances was his 1955 performance of Elgar's Cello Concerto with the London Symphony Orchestra. The performance was recorded and released on LP, and it quickly became a classic recording that is still highly regarded today. Wallfisch was also a dedicated chamber musician, and he performed with many of the world's leading chamber ensembles, including the Amadeus Quartet and the Melos Ensemble. He was particularly known for his collaborations with the pianist Peter Katin, and the two musicians recorded many acclaimed albums together. In addition to his performing career, Wallfisch was also a respected teacher. He taught at the Royal College of Music, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and the Yehudi Menuhin School. Many of his students went on to have successful careers as musicians. Wallfisch received many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1968, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, and in 1980, he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He was also awarded honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Sussex and the University of East Anglia. Ernst Wallfisch continued to perform and teach until his death on December 12, 1979, at the age of 59. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century, and his recordings and performances continue to inspire and move audiences today.

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