Wilhelm Kempff

Wilhelm Kempff - Beethoven Piano Sonatas - DG 138 935

Wilhelm Kempff
Birth name	Wilhelm Walter Friedrich Kempff
Born	November 25, 1895 Jüterbog, Germany
Died	May 23, 1991 Positano, Italy
Genres	Classical music
Occupation(s)	Pianist, Composer
Years active	1916–1981
Labels	Deutsche Grammophon

Wilhelm Walter Friedrich Kempff (November 25, 1895 – May 23, 1991) was a renowned German pianist and composer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century, particularly noted for his interpretations of the works of Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, and Johann Sebastian Bach.

Early Life and Education

Wilhelm Kempff was born in Jüterbog, Germany, into a musical family. His father was an organist and his brother, Georg, was also a pianist. Kempff began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and composition. He attended the Berlin Hochschule für Musik and the University of Berlin, where he studied under Robert Kahn and Heinrich Barth.

Career

Kempff made his debut in 1916, performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 with the Berlin Philharmonic. His career quickly gained momentum, and he became known for his lyrical and poetic playing style. Kempff was particularly celebrated for his interpretations of Beethoven's piano sonatas and Schubert's piano sonatas.

Throughout his career, Kempff performed with many of the world's leading orchestras and conductors. He was also a prolific recording artist, with a discography that includes the complete Beethoven piano sonatas, the complete Schubert piano sonatas, and numerous works by Bach, Chopin, and Schumann.

Compositions

In addition to his career as a pianist, Kempff was also a composer. His works include symphonies, chamber music, and piano pieces. Although his compositions are less well-known than his performances, they reflect his deep understanding of the classical tradition.

Teaching and Legacy

Kempff was also a dedicated teacher, and he held masterclasses in Positano, Italy, where he spent the later years of his life. His students included many notable pianists, and his teaching philosophy emphasized the importance of musicality and expression.

Wilhelm Kempff passed away on May 23, 1991, in Positano, Italy. His legacy continues to influence pianists and music lovers around the world.

Selected Discography

• Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas
• Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas
• Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier
• Chopin: Nocturnes
• Schumann: Kinderszenen

See Also

• List of classical pianists
• List of composers by name
• Berlin Philharmonic
• Deutsche Grammophon