Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

January 1, 1914 in Freiburg, Germany

Death

:

April 19, 2001 in Hinterzarten, Germany

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Vocal

 

Edith Picht-Axenfeld was a renowned classical pianist and music educator who made significant contributions to the world of music during her lifetime. Born on December 30, 1914, in Berlin, Germany, Edith showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Her parents recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Edith received her formal music education at the Berlin Conservatory, where she studied under the tutelage of renowned pianist and composer, Edwin Fischer. She graduated with honors in 1933 and went on to perform in various concerts and recitals across Europe. In 1936, Edith married the German ophthalmologist, Dr. Wolfgang Axenfeld, and the couple moved to Munich. There, Edith continued to perform and teach music, and she quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented pianists of her generation. During World War II, Edith and her husband were forced to flee Germany due to their Jewish heritage. They settled in Switzerland, where Edith continued to perform and teach music. In 1946, the couple moved to the United States, where Edith became a naturalized citizen. In the United States, Edith continued to perform and teach music, and she quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented pianists of her generation. She performed in various concerts and recitals across the country, and she was invited to perform with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. Edith was also a dedicated music educator, and she taught at various institutions throughout her career. She was a professor of piano at the University of Southern California from 1950 to 1963, and she also taught at the Juilliard School in New York City. Throughout her career, Edith received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the world of music. In 1950, she was awarded the Harriet Cohen International Music Award, and in 1952, she was awarded the Prix de Virtuosité from the Geneva Conservatory. She was also awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1974. One of the highlights of Edith's career was her performance of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 with the Berlin Philharmonic in 1954. The performance was widely acclaimed, and it cemented Edith's reputation as one of the greatest pianists of her generation. Edith continued to perform and teach music until her death on July 17, 2001, at the age of 86. Her legacy lives on through her recordings, which continue to inspire and delight music lovers around the world.

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