Role

:

Conductor  

Country

:

Austria

Birth

:

November 27, 1928 in Graz, Austria

Death

:

February 11, 1991 in Vienna, Austria

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Walter Klien was a renowned classical pianist born on December 28, 1928, in Graz, Austria. He was the son of a music teacher and began playing the piano at a young age. Klien's talent was quickly recognized, and he was accepted into the Graz Conservatory at the age of 10. He continued his studies at the Vienna Academy of Music, where he studied under the tutelage of Bruno Seidlhofer. Klien's career as a pianist began in the early 1950s when he won the first prize at the Geneva International Music Competition. This victory launched his international career, and he quickly became known for his exceptional technique and musicality. Klien's performances were characterized by his ability to convey the emotional depth of the music he played, and his interpretations were often praised for their sensitivity and nuance. Throughout his career, Klien performed extensively throughout Europe, the United States, and Japan. He was particularly renowned for his performances of the works of Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. Klien's interpretations of Mozart's piano sonatas were particularly celebrated, and he was widely regarded as one of the foremost interpreters of Mozart's music. Klien's discography is extensive, and he recorded for a variety of labels, including Vox, Philips, and Deutsche Grammophon. His recordings of Mozart's piano sonatas are considered some of the finest ever made, and his recordings of Beethoven's piano sonatas are also highly regarded. Klien's recordings of Schubert's piano music are also noteworthy, and he was one of the first pianists to record the complete set of Schubert's piano sonatas. In addition to his performances and recordings, Klien was also a respected teacher. He taught at the Vienna Academy of Music and the Salzburg Mozarteum, and his students included the pianists Paul Badura-Skoda and András Schiff. Klien's career was cut short by his untimely death in 1991 at the age of 62. However, his legacy as a pianist and musician lives on. His recordings continue to be highly regarded, and his interpretations of Mozart's piano sonatas are still considered some of the finest ever recorded. Klien's influence as a teacher is also felt to this day, as his students continue to pass on his teachings to the next generation of pianists. Throughout his career, Klien received numerous awards and honors. In addition to his victory at the Geneva International Music Competition, he was also awarded the Mozart Medal by the Mozartgemeinde Wien in 1978. He was also made an honorary member of the Vienna Academy of Music in 1988. In conclusion, Walter Klien was a highly respected and influential classical pianist. His exceptional technique and musicality, combined with his sensitivity and nuance, made him one of the foremost interpreters of Mozart's music. His recordings continue to be highly regarded, and his influence as a teacher is still felt to this day. Klien's legacy as a pianist and musician is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.

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