Birth

:

July 3, 1966 in Salzburg, Austria

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Clemens Hagen is a renowned cellist and chamber musician who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on May 22, 1966, in Salzburg, Austria, Hagen grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a cellist, and his mother was a pianist. Hagen started playing the cello at the age of six and received his first lessons from his father. Hagen's talent was evident from an early age, and he quickly became a prodigy. He studied at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg and later at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. Hagen's teachers included Heinrich Schiff, Valentin Erben, and William Pleeth, all of whom were renowned cellists. In 1983, Hagen, along with his two siblings, formed the Hagen Quartet, which quickly gained recognition for its exceptional performances. The quartet won several international competitions, including the Geneva International Music Competition and the ARD International Music Competition in Munich. The quartet's success led to numerous invitations to perform at major concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Berlin Philharmonic. Hagen's solo career also flourished during this time. He performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Vienna Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Hagen's performances were praised for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. In addition to his solo and chamber music performances, Hagen has also been a dedicated teacher. He has taught at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg and the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. Hagen has also given masterclasses around the world, sharing his knowledge and expertise with young cellists. Hagen's discography is extensive, with over 50 recordings to his name. He has recorded with the Hagen Quartet, as well as with other renowned musicians, including pianist Kirill Gerstein and violinist Gidon Kremer. Hagen's recordings have received critical acclaim and have won several awards, including the Gramophone Award and the Diapason d'Or. One of Hagen's most significant achievements was his performance of the complete Bach Cello Suites at the Salzburg Festival in 2012. The performance was hailed as a triumph, with critics praising Hagen's interpretation of the suites. The performance was recorded and released on CD and DVD, further cementing Hagen's reputation as one of the world's leading cellists. Hagen has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1999, he was awarded the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art, and in 2002, he was awarded the Mozart Medal by the International Mozarteum Foundation. In 2018, Hagen was awarded the Grand Decoration of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria. Despite his many achievements, Hagen remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and teach, inspiring a new generation of cellists. Hagen's contribution to the world of classical music is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire and influence musicians for generations to come.

More....