Birth

:

July 23, 1933 in Manchester, England

Death

:

November 3, 2013

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Bernard Roberts was a renowned British classical pianist, musicologist, and teacher. He was born on November 18, 1933, in Manchester, England. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, so music was always a part of his life. He began playing the piano at the age of four and showed exceptional talent from an early age. Roberts studied at the Royal Manchester College of Music and later at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He won several awards and scholarships during his studies, including the prestigious Chappell Gold Medal. He also studied with renowned pianists such as Solomon, Myra Hess, and Maria Curcio. In 1956, Roberts made his debut at the Wigmore Hall in London, which was a significant milestone in his career. He went on to perform in major concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Royal Festival Hall in London. He was known for his interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Schubert, and Brahms, among others. Roberts was also a prolific recording artist, with over 50 recordings to his name. He recorded the complete piano works of Beethoven, Schubert, and Brahms, as well as works by Chopin, Liszt, and Debussy. His recordings were highly acclaimed and won several awards, including the Gramophone Award and the Penguin Guide Rosette. In addition to his performing career, Roberts was also a respected musicologist and teacher. He wrote several books on music, including a biography of Beethoven and a study of the piano music of Schubert. He also taught at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and the Royal College of Music in London, where he was a professor of piano for over 20 years. Roberts was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his deep understanding of the music he played. He was a master of the classical style, with a particular affinity for the works of Beethoven. His performances were marked by their clarity, precision, and emotional depth. Roberts received many honors and awards during his career, including the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1999 for his services to music. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester in 2002. Sadly, Roberts passed away on May 3, 2013, at the age of 79. His legacy lives on through his recordings, his writings, and the many students he taught over the years. He was a true master of his craft and a beloved figure in the world of classical music.

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