Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Ernst Kraus was a renowned classical music artist who was born on May 12, 1927, in Vienna, Austria. He was the youngest of three children born to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Kraus showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Kraus received his formal music education at the Vienna Academy of Music, where he studied under the tutelage of some of the most prominent music teachers of the time. He was a gifted pianist and quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent. In 1949, he won the prestigious Beethoven Prize, which was awarded to the most promising young pianist in Austria. After completing his studies, Kraus embarked on a successful career as a concert pianist. He performed extensively throughout Europe and the United States, earning critical acclaim for his virtuosity and musicality. He was particularly renowned for his interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert. One of the highlights of Kraus's career was his performance at the Salzburg Festival in 1956. He was invited to perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, also known as the "Emperor" concerto, with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The performance was a resounding success, and Kraus received a standing ovation from the audience. Kraus continued to perform at major music festivals and concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. He also made numerous recordings, including a highly acclaimed set of the complete Beethoven piano sonatas. In addition to his career as a performer, Kraus was also a respected music educator. He taught at the Vienna Academy of Music for many years, and his students included some of the most prominent pianists of the next generation. Kraus received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art and the Grand Decoration of Honor in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria. He was also made an honorary member of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in recognition of his contributions to the world of classical music. Ernst Kraus passed away on January 17, 1991, at the age of 63. He left behind a legacy as one of the most accomplished and respected classical pianists of his generation. His recordings and performances continue to inspire and delight music lovers around the world.

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