Bauer, Harold

Bauer, Harold, distinguished English-born American pianist and teacher; b. New Maiden, Surrey, April 28, 1873; d. Miami, March 12, 1951. He studied violin with his father and Adolf Politzer; from the age of nine, made appearances as a violinist. When he was 19 he appeared as a pianist in London, and then had lessons from Paderewski in Paris, where he played in 1893. After touring Europe, he made his U.S. debut as soloist with the Boston Sym. Orch. in 1900, and subsequently played in major U.S. cities. In 1912 he was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Phil. Soc. of London. During World War I, he settled in the U.S. and became a naturalized American citizen. He was founder-director of the Beethoven Assn. of N.Y. (1918–41), an esteemed chamber music society; he also was active as a teacher. He publ. Harold Bauer, His Book (N.Y., 1948). Bauer was particularly known as an interpreter of Beethoven, but he was also admired for his performances of Brahms, Franck, Debussy, and Ravel.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire

Bauer, Harold (b New Malden, Surrey, 1873; d Miami, 1951). Eng.-born pianist. From age 9 made frequent public appearances as violinist; then, 1892, as pianist (London newspaper notices show him within 3 weeks in that year as leader of str. qt., solo violinist, and pf. recitalist). After study with Paderewski appeared as pianist throughout Europe and USA, settling in NY. US début Boston 1900. Known principally as Beethoven interpreter, but did much for Fr. pf. mus. ( Debussy, Ravel, Franck). Gave f.p. of Debussy's Children's Corner, 1908.