Death

:

2005

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Thomas Kakuska was a renowned Austrian violist and chamber musician who was born on October 27, 1940, in Vienna, Austria. He was the son of a violinist and a pianist, and he grew up in a musical family. His father, Franz Kakuska, was a member of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and his mother, Gertrude Kakuska, was a piano teacher. Kakuska began playing the violin at the age of six, but he switched to the viola when he was 14 years old. He studied at the Vienna Academy of Music with Franz Samohyl and later with Max Rostal in London. He also attended masterclasses with William Primrose and Yuri Bashmet. In 1964, Kakuska joined the Vienna String Sextet, which was founded by his father. The ensemble consisted of three violins, two violas, and a cello, and it was known for its unique sound and interpretation of chamber music. Kakuska played with the Vienna String Sextet for over 30 years, and they performed all over the world, including in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Kakuska was also a member of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, where he played as a violist for over 20 years. He was known for his exceptional technique and musicality, and he was highly respected by his colleagues and audiences alike. In addition to his work with the Vienna String Sextet and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Kakuska was also a sought-after chamber musician. He played with many renowned musicians, including pianist Alfred Brendel, cellist Heinrich Schiff, and violinist Gidon Kremer. He also performed at many prestigious music festivals, such as the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh Festival, and the Marlboro Music Festival. Kakuska was a prolific recording artist, and he recorded over 100 albums throughout his career. He recorded with the Vienna String Sextet, as well as with other ensembles and soloists. His recordings were highly acclaimed, and he received many awards for his work, including the Grand Prix du Disque and the Diapason d'Or. Kakuska was also a dedicated teacher, and he taught at the Vienna Academy of Music and the Mozarteum in Salzburg. He was known for his passion for teaching and his ability to inspire his students to reach their full potential. Sadly, Kakuska passed away on December 8, 2005, at the age of 65. His death was a great loss to the classical music world, and he was mourned by his colleagues, students, and fans around the world. In conclusion, Thomas Kakuska was a highly respected and accomplished violist and chamber musician who made significant contributions to the classical music world. He was known for his exceptional technique, musicality, and passion for music, and he inspired many musicians and audiences throughout his career. His legacy lives on through his recordings, his students, and the many musicians he collaborated with over the years.

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