Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

June 21, 1891 in Berlin, Germany

Death

:

June 12, 1966 in Florence, Italy

 

Hermann Scherchen was a renowned conductor and musicologist who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on June 21, 1891, in Berlin, Germany, Scherchen showed an early interest in music and began studying the violin at the age of six. He later switched to the cello and became a member of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of 17. Scherchen's interest in conducting began to develop during his time with the Berlin Philharmonic, and he began to study conducting with Hermann Abendroth. In 1914, he made his conducting debut with the Berlin Philharmonic, leading a performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5. During World War I, Scherchen served in the German army and was captured by the Russians. While in captivity, he organized a prisoner-of-war orchestra and conducted performances for his fellow prisoners. After the war, he returned to Berlin and continued his conducting studies with Felix Weingartner. In 1922, Scherchen was appointed the conductor of the Frankfurt Opera, where he remained for three years. During this time, he also conducted the Berlin State Opera and the Vienna State Opera. In 1925, he founded the Scherchen Orchestra in Frankfurt, which he led until 1929. Scherchen's career took him to many parts of the world, including the United States, where he conducted the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He also conducted the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra in England. One of Scherchen's most significant contributions to the world of classical music was his work as a musicologist. He was a pioneer in the field of early music, and his research and performances of Baroque and Renaissance music were groundbreaking. He also wrote extensively on music theory and conducted many premieres of contemporary music. Scherchen's conducting style was known for its precision and attention to detail. He was a demanding conductor who expected the highest level of musicianship from his performers. He was also known for his innovative interpretations of classical works, which often challenged traditional interpretations. One of Scherchen's most famous recordings is his interpretation of Bach's St. Matthew Passion, which he recorded in 1950 with the Vienna State Opera Orchestra and Chorus. The recording is considered a landmark in the history of classical music recordings and is still highly regarded today. Scherchen received many awards and honors throughout his career, including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. He was also awarded the Goethe Medal for his contributions to German culture. Scherchen continued to conduct and perform well into his 80s, and he remained an influential figure in the world of classical music until his death on June 12, 1966, in Florence, Italy. His legacy lives on through his recordings, writings, and the many musicians he inspired and influenced throughout his career.

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