Richter-Haaser, Hans

views updated

Richter-Haaser, Hans

Richter-Haaser, Hans , respected German pianist and teacher; b. Dresden, Jan. 6, 1912; d. Braunschweig, Dec. 13, 1980. At age 13, he became a pupil of Hans Schneider at the Dresden Academy of Music, where he won the Bechstein Prize when he was 18. He made his debut in Dresden (1928), and thereafter performed throughout Germany. After his career was interrupted by World War II, he settled in Detmold and conducted the municipal orch. (1946–47); then was a prof. at the North West German Music Academy there (1947–62); concurrently pursued an international career; made his U.S. debut in N.Y. (1959). He was esteemed for his performances of the Classical and Romantic repertoire, winning high praise for his Beethoven. He also composed 2 piano concertos, chamber music, piano pieces, and songs.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire

More From encyclopedia.com