Therese Behr-Schnabel was a German classical pianist who was born on October 13, 1892, in Berlin, Germany. She was the daughter of the famous pianist and composer, Conrad Ansorge, and the pianist and composer, Helene von Heimburg. Her parents were both accomplished musicians, and they recognized her talent for music at a young age. Behr-Schnabel began her piano studies at the age of five with her mother, and later with her father. She made her public debut at the age of nine, performing a Mozart concerto with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. She continued her studies with renowned pianists such as Ferruccio Busoni and Artur Schnabel, whom she later married in 1916. Behr-Schnabel's career as a pianist took off in the early 1900s, and she quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented pianists of her generation. She performed extensively throughout Europe, and her performances were highly praised by critics and audiences alike. In 1912, she made her debut in the United States, performing with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. One of the highlights of Behr-Schnabel's career was her performance of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in 1913. The performance was conducted by the legendary conductor, Arthur Nikisch, and it was widely regarded as one of the greatest performances of the concerto ever given. Behr-Schnabel's career was interrupted by World War I, during which she and her husband, Artur Schnabel, were forced to flee Germany. They settled in Switzerland, where they continued to perform and teach. After the war, they returned to Germany, and Behr-Schnabel resumed her career as a pianist. In the 1920s and 1930s, Behr-Schnabel continued to perform extensively throughout Europe and the United States. She was particularly known for her interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert. She also performed the works of contemporary composers, including Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg. Behr-Schnabel was a highly respected teacher, and she taught at the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin from 1925 to 1933. She also taught at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, and at the Geneva Conservatory in Switzerland. Her students included the pianist and composer, Hans Werner Henze. Behr-Schnabel's career was again interrupted by World War II, during which she and her husband were forced to flee Germany once again. They settled in the United States, where they continued to perform and teach. Behr-Schnabel gave her last public performance in 1957, at the age of 65. Throughout her career, Behr-Schnabel received numerous awards and honors. In 1913, she was awarded the Mendelssohn Prize by the Berlin Academy of Arts. In 1927, she was awarded the Beethoven Medal by the Beethoven Society in Bonn, Germany. In 1952, she was awarded the Goethe Medal by the German government. Therese Behr-Schnabel was a highly accomplished pianist and teacher, and she made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Her performances were characterized by their technical brilliance and emotional depth, and her interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert were particularly renowned. She was also a respected teacher, and her influence can be seen in the work of her many students. Behr-Schnabel's legacy continues to be felt in the world of classical music today.

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