Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Switzerland

Birth

:

March 26, 1884 in Leipzig, Germany

Death

:

July 5, 1969 in Villach, Austria

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Wilhelm Backhaus was a renowned classical pianist born on March 26, 1884, in Leipzig, Germany. He was the son of a pianist and music teacher, and his father recognized his son's talent at an early age. Backhaus began his piano studies at the age of four and gave his first public performance at the age of eight. Backhaus's talent was quickly recognized, and he was accepted into the Leipzig Conservatory at the age of nine. He studied under renowned pianist and composer Carl Reinecke, who recognized Backhaus's exceptional talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. In 1899, Backhaus made his debut as a soloist with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4. The performance was a great success, and Backhaus was hailed as a prodigy. He continued to perform throughout Europe, and in 1905, he made his debut in the United States, performing with the New York Philharmonic. Backhaus's career continued to flourish, and he became known for his technical mastery and musical sensitivity. He was particularly renowned for his interpretations of Beethoven, Brahms, and Schumann, and his performances of these composers' works were considered definitive. In 1912, Backhaus married Marie-Luise Thoma, a soprano who had been a student of his father. The couple had two children, and Marie-Luise often accompanied her husband on his concert tours. During World War I, Backhaus served in the German army, but he continued to perform whenever possible. After the war, he resumed his concert career, and in 1920, he made his first recordings for the HMV label. Backhaus's career continued to thrive throughout the 1920s and 1930s, and he became one of the most sought-after pianists of his time. He performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. In 1933, Backhaus was appointed a professor at the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin, but he resigned his position in 1936 in protest against the Nazi regime. He continued to perform throughout Europe, but he refused to perform in Germany during the Nazi era. After World War II, Backhaus resumed his concert career, and he became known for his performances of the works of Mozart and Beethoven. He also became a mentor to many young pianists, including Daniel Barenboim and Alfred Brendel. In 1959, Backhaus suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed. He continued to perform, however, and he gave his last concert in Lucerne, Switzerland, in 1968. He died on July 5, 1969, in Villach, Austria, at the age of 85. Throughout his career, Backhaus received many honors and awards, including the Grand Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. He was also awarded honorary doctorates from the universities of Munich and Salzburg. Backhaus's recordings continue to be highly regarded, and his interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Brahms, and Schumann are considered among the finest ever recorded. He was a true master of the piano, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence pianists today.

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