Edwin Fischer
Edwin Fischer (October 6, 1886 - January 24, 1960) was a Swiss classical pianist and conductor. He is widely regarded as one of the great pianists of the 20th century, particularly in the traditional Germanic repertoire of such composers as Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Schubert. He is also regarded as one of the finest piano teachers of modern times.
Fischer was born in Basel and studied music first there, and later in Berlin. He first came to prominence as a pianist following World War I. In 1926 he became conductor of the Lübeck Musikverein and later conducted in Munich. In 1932 he formed his own chamber orchestra, and was one of the first to be interested in presenting music of the baroque in an historically accurate way. Though his performances were not particularly historically accurate when compared to similar performances today, he did conduct concertos by the likes of Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart from the keyboard, which at the time was most unusual.
In 1932 he returned once again to Berlin, succeeding Artur Schnabel in a teaching role at the Hochschule für Musik. In 1942 he moved back to Switzerland, temporarily putting his career on hold through World War II. Following the war, he began to perform again, as well as giving masterclasses in Lucerne, which were attended by a number of later prominent pianists, Alfred Brendel and Daniel Barenboim among them.
As well as solo recitals, concerto performances, and conducting orchestral works, Fischer also played chamber music. Particularly highly regarded was the piano trio he formed with the cellist Enrico Mainardi and the violinist Georg Kulenkampff (who was replaced by Wolfgang Schneiderhan after his death).
Fischer published a number of books on teaching as well as one on the piano sonatas of Beethoven. He also made a number of recordings, including the first complete recording of Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier for EMI in the 1930s.
Recordings
Fischer was an unusually headstrong performer, throwing himself into every piece he played with great determination. The results are always impressive and persuasive, but they may not be to everyones taste.
Fischers complete Well-Tempered Clavier, reissued on Pearl 0017 and EMI, is one of the landmarks of the Bach discography. Recorded between 1933 and 1936, it is forward looking in that Fischer is faithful to Bach's terraced dynamics and does not use the resources of the modern instrument artificially to embellish the score. This may be one of the earliest historically informed performances on record.
The Beethoven Sonatas 8 (Pathetique), 23 (Appassionata), and 31, from 193538, are featured on Appian 5502, along with the Handel Suite in d minor and the Chaconne in G. These early recordings exhibit a great sense of drama, but Fischer has the occasional tendency to rush.
The Schubert Impromptus on Testament 1145 are simultaneously intense and lyrical, as well as romantic in their abandon.
The seven Beethoven Sonatas on Music & Arts 880, recorded between 1948 and 1954, demonstrate that Fischer's energy level and penetrating intellect remained strong through the end of his career. In spite of occasional technical problems (both in the recordings and the performances), these broadcast tapes are a valuable part of Fischer's legacy.
External link
Referenced By
1886 | 1960 | 24 January | 24th January | 6 October | 6th October | Alfred Brendel | Fischer | January 24 | January 24th | List of Notable Swiss | List of Swiss | List of Swiss people | List of famous Swiss people | List of people by name: Fi | October 6 | October 6th | Pianist | Pianists | Piano player | The Well-Tempered Clavier | Well-Tempered Clavier | Well Tempered Clavier
|
