Eduard Steuermann facts for kids
Eduard Steuermann (born June 18, 1892, in Sambir, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire – died November 11, 1964, in New York City) was a brilliant pianist and composer. He was originally from Austria and later became an American citizen.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Training
Eduard Steuermann started his musical journey by studying piano with Vilém Kurz at the Lemberg Conservatory. He later continued his piano studies with the famous musician Ferruccio Busoni in Berlin. Besides piano, he also learned how to compose music. His composition teachers included Engelbert Humperdinck and the very influential Arnold Schoenberg.
Working with Arnold Schoenberg
Steuermann had a very important connection with Arnold Schoenberg. He played the piano in the very first performance of Schoenberg's famous piece called Pierrot Lunaire. He also was the first to perform Schoenberg's Piano Concerto.
Their collaboration continued as Steuermann often played piano for Schoenberg's Society for Private Musical Performances in Vienna. This group was special because it helped new and modern music be heard. Steuermann even created a version of Schoenberg's Verklärte Nacht for a piano trio (three instruments). He also performed in a radio show, playing for Schoenberg's "Ode to Napoleon Bonaparte" with the New York Philharmonic orchestra in 1944. Later, in 1952, he received the Schoenberg Medal for his contributions to music. He also taught at the Internationale Ferienkurse für Neue Musik in Darmstadt, a special summer course for new music.
Moving to America
Steuermann's parents were Jewish, though they did not practice their religion. In 1938, he moved to the United States. He left Europe to escape the unfair treatment of Jewish people by the Nazis. In America, he became known as Edward Steuermann.
Later Career and Teaching
In the 1950s, Eduard Steuermann became very well-known for his concerts featuring music by Beethoven. He was also a respected teacher. From 1952 until his death in 1964, he taught at the famous Juilliard School in New York City.
Many talented musicians learned from Steuermann. Some of his notable students include pianists like Alfred Brendel, Jakob Gimpel, Moura Lympany, Menahem Pressler, Avraham Sternklar, and Russell Sherman. He also taught other important thinkers and artists, such as philosopher Theodor W. Adorno, composer Gunther Schuller, and music theorists Edward T. Cone and David Lewin.
Personal Life and Legacy
Eduard Steuermann passed away in 1964 from leukemia. In 1989, a collection of his writings was published by the University of Nebraska Press. The book was titled The Not Quite Innocent Bystander: Writings of Edward Steuermann (ISBN: 0803241917). It was put together by Clara Steuermann, David H. Porter, and Gunther Schuller.
His sister was the actress Salka Viertel. In 1949, Steuermann married Clara Silvers, who was also a pianist and a well-known music librarian.
See also
In Spanish: Eduard Steuermann para niños
