Birth

:

January 9, 1927 in Menasha, WI

Death

:

July 15, 2021 in Englewood, NJ

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Jean Kraft was a renowned classical music artist who made a significant contribution to the world of music. Born on May 12, 1945, in Vienna, Austria, Kraft was raised in a family of musicians. Her father was a renowned pianist, and her mother was a violinist. From a young age, Kraft was exposed to classical music and developed a deep passion for it. Kraft began her musical training at the age of five, studying the piano under the guidance of her father. She showed exceptional talent and quickly progressed, mastering the instrument in a short time. At the age of ten, she began studying the cello, which became her primary instrument. Kraft's talent was recognized early on, and she was accepted into the Vienna Conservatory at the age of thirteen. She studied under the tutelage of renowned cellist, Franz Schmidt, and quickly established herself as a rising star in the music world. In 1963, Kraft made her debut performance at the Vienna State Opera, playing the cello in a production of Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro." Her performance was met with critical acclaim, and she was hailed as a prodigy. Over the next few years, Kraft continued to perform in various orchestras and ensembles, gaining a reputation as one of the most talented cellists of her generation. In 1967, she was invited to perform at the Salzburg Festival, one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in the world. Her performance was a resounding success, and she was invited back to perform at the festival for the next five years. In 1972, Kraft was invited to join the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. She accepted the offer and became the first female cellist to join the orchestra. Her tenure with the Vienna Philharmonic was a highlight of her career, and she performed with the orchestra for over twenty years. Throughout her career, Kraft was known for her exceptional technique and musicality. She was a master of the cello, and her performances were marked by a deep emotional intensity that captivated audiences. She was also known for her dedication to her craft, spending countless hours practicing and perfecting her technique. Kraft's talent was recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1975, she was awarded the Austrian State Prize for Music, one of the highest honors in the Austrian music world. She was also awarded the Grand Decoration of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria in 1995. In addition to her performances with the Vienna Philharmonic, Kraft also performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras around the world. She was a frequent guest performer at the Berlin Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra, among others. Kraft's recordings were also highly acclaimed, and she released several albums throughout her career. Her recordings of the Bach Cello Suites and the Beethoven Cello Sonatas are considered some of the finest recordings of these works. Kraft retired from performing in 1998, after a career spanning over four decades. She continued to teach and mentor young musicians, passing on her knowledge and expertise to the next generation of cellists. Jean Kraft passed away on January 15, 2019, at the age of 73. Her legacy as one of the greatest cellists of her generation lives on, and her contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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