Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

February 25, 1890 in London, England

Death

:

November 25, 1965 in London, England

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Myra Hess was a renowned classical pianist who was born on February 25, 1890, in London, England. She was the youngest of four children and grew up in a musical family. Her father was a German-born merchant who loved music and played the piano, while her mother was a singer who performed in local concerts. Hess showed an early interest in music and began taking piano lessons at the age of five. Hess's talent was quickly recognized, and she was accepted into the Royal Academy of Music in London at the age of twelve. She studied under Tobias Matthay, a renowned piano teacher, and quickly became one of his star pupils. Hess's talent and dedication to music were evident from an early age, and she won several awards and prizes for her performances. In 1907, at the age of seventeen, Hess made her debut performance at the Queen's Hall in London. She played Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, and her performance was met with critical acclaim. This performance marked the beginning of a long and successful career for Hess. Over the next few years, Hess continued to perform in concerts and recitals throughout Europe. She played with some of the most famous orchestras in the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the Vienna Philharmonic. Hess's performances were known for their technical brilliance and emotional depth, and she quickly became one of the most sought-after pianists of her time. In 1914, at the outbreak of World War I, Hess put her career on hold and volunteered as a nurse. She worked in hospitals in London and France, caring for wounded soldiers. Hess's dedication to helping others during the war was a testament to her character and her commitment to making a difference in the world. After the war, Hess returned to her music career and continued to perform in concerts and recitals throughout Europe and the United States. She was known for her interpretations of the works of Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart, and her performances were always highly anticipated. In 1939, at the outbreak of World War II, Hess once again put her career on hold and volunteered to organize concerts for the troops. She organized over 1,600 concerts during the war, bringing music to soldiers who were fighting on the front lines. Hess's dedication to bringing music to those who needed it most during the war was a testament to her character and her commitment to making a difference in the world. After the war, Hess returned to her music career and continued to perform in concerts and recitals throughout Europe and the United States. She was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1941 and was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1947 for her services to music. Hess's most famous performance took place on September 30, 1940, during the height of the Blitz in London. She played a lunchtime concert at the National Gallery, which was located in Trafalgar Square, one of the most heavily bombed areas of the city. Despite the danger, Hess insisted on playing the concert, and over 1,200 people attended. The concert was broadcast live on the radio, and it became a symbol of hope and resilience for the people of London during the war. Hess continued to perform and record music throughout the 1950s and 1960s. She was known for her dedication to music education and was a strong advocate for bringing classical music to a wider audience.

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