Active Violinist
This post highlights Günter Raphael (1903-1960), a composer who battled many obstacles during his relatively short life and career including the Nazi Regime, and Tuberculosis. He wrote quite a bit for violin and it has been a delight to get to know him and his music. I’ve been exploring his violin duets (by myself) and have included one here for you to enjoy as well.
Read MoreThe music of East Germany is particularly fascinating because of the rich history full of notable and significant composers and performers. The divide that occurred after World War II did not foster wide-spread acclaim or acceptance of musicians living and working behind the wall even though plenty of music was written and performed. You can learn more about the region and political climate of East Germany in my most recent blog post.
Read MoreThis month, the spotlight is on composer Ottmar Gerstner. He is difficult to learn much about BUT I’m excited to share a rough recording of myself playing a movement of his violin trio. He was a Nazi sympathizer during his lifetime which put him in a precarious political position after the war and he chose to move to Soviet German (later the GDR) which better aligned with his ideals and politics.
Read MoreInstallment number 5 in my exploration of East German composers features Fidelio Finke who sadly seems to have slipped into oblivion and has very much been forgotten, even though he wrote plenty for strings and the violin. Read on to find out a little bit about him and his music.
Read MoreThe 4th installment of my exploration of East German Violin Music project features Hanns Eisler. Eisler is probably the most internationally well-known composer in this project. He collaborated with Brecht, wrote a book with Adorno, studied with Schoenberg, wrote for Hollywood (he was even nominated for an Academy Award), and so much more. His politics defined him and his music - read on to find out about how that shaped his legacy and his music.
Read MorePart 3 of my exploration of violin music from East Germany focuses on Johannes Paul Thilman from Dresden. While Thilman was very popular and celebrated during his lifetime his music has mostly been (sadly) forgotten - a shame because he wrote some wonderful violin music. I am so excited to introduce one of my new musical friends to you!
Read MoreSpotlight on the life and music of Kurt Schwaen, a composer who lived and worked in East Germany and wrote many pieces for violin, and string chamber ensemble. This is the second installment in my Violin Music of East Germany series. I am writing about the people and music I uncover as I pursue this research and performance endeavor. Enjoy!
Read MoreI hinted about this in my Resolutions post for 2020, but here is the first of probably many posts on my latest musical project. I have been deep in the stacks of music from the GDR turning up violin repertoire and chamber music that has fallen through the musical cracks of the universe, at least as far as I can tell. Read all about what I am up to and follow along to hear more about the characters I am acquainting myself with these days.
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