Genre

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Chamber

 

Valentin Erben is a renowned cellist and founding member of the Alban Berg Quartet, one of the most celebrated string quartets of the 20th century. Born on June 14, 1947, in Vienna, Austria, Erben grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a cellist and his mother was a pianist, and they both played in the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Erben began playing the cello at the age of six and received his first lessons from his father. Erben's talent was quickly recognized, and he was accepted into the Vienna Music Academy at the age of 14. He studied under the tutelage of Tobias Kühne, a renowned cellist and teacher, and graduated with honors in 1966. After completing his studies, Erben joined the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, where he played for two years before joining the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in 1968. In 1970, Erben co-founded the Alban Berg Quartet with three other musicians: Günter Pichler (violin), Gerhard Schulz (violin), and Thomas Kakuska (viola). The quartet was named after the Austrian composer Alban Berg, and they quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional musicianship and innovative interpretations of classical music. The Alban Berg Quartet went on to become one of the most successful and acclaimed string quartets of the 20th century. They performed all over the world, including at major music festivals such as the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh Festival, and the Berlin Festival. They also recorded extensively, releasing over 50 albums during their career. Erben's contributions to the quartet were significant, and he was widely regarded as one of the finest cellists of his generation. He was known for his rich, warm tone and his ability to convey deep emotion through his playing. He was also a skilled chamber musician, able to blend seamlessly with his fellow musicians to create a cohesive and powerful sound. In addition to his work with the Alban Berg Quartet, Erben was also a sought-after soloist and chamber musician. He performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He also collaborated with other renowned musicians, such as pianist Alfred Brendel and violinist Gidon Kremer. Erben's career was marked by numerous awards and accolades. In 1982, he was awarded the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art, and in 1991, he received the Grand Decoration of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria. He was also awarded the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize in 2007, one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. Despite his success, Erben remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to perform and teach until his retirement in 2008, and he remained an active supporter of classical music throughout his life. He passed away on January 5, 2021, at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest cellists of his generation.

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