Norbert Brainin facts for kids
Norbert Brainin (born March 12, 1923, died April 10, 2005) was a very famous violinist. He was the main violinist for the Amadeus Quartet. This group was one of the most well-known string quartets in the world.
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Early Life and Challenges
Norbert Brainin was born in Vienna, Austria. Because he was Jewish, he had to leave Vienna in 1938. This happened after Adolf Hitler and his government took control of Austria. This event was called the Anschluss. Many Jewish people, like Norbert, were forced to leave their homes.
Two other musicians, Siegmund Nissel and Peter Schidlof, also had to leave Vienna. They were also Jewish. Norbert and Peter met in a special camp in the United Kingdom. Many Jewish people who came to the UK for safety were held in these camps for a short time.
Norbert was allowed to leave the camp after a few months. Peter stayed longer, and that is where he met Siegmund. Eventually, all three were set free.
Forming the Amadeus Quartet
After leaving the camps, Norbert, Siegmund, and Peter were able to study music. Their violin teacher, Max Rostal, taught them for free. Through him, they met a cellist named Martin Lovett.
In 1947, these four musicians formed a group called the Brainin Quartet. Just one year later, in 1948, they changed their name to the Amadeus Quartet. This name became famous around the world.
A World-Famous Quartet
The Amadeus Quartet became one of the most famous string quartets of the 20th century. They played music all over the world. The members of the quartet received many special awards and honors for their amazing music.
Some of their important awards included:
- The Order of the British Empire, given to them by the Queen of the United Kingdom.
- Special university degrees (called Doctorates) from the University of London, the University of York, and the University of Caracas.
- The highest award in Germany, called the Grand Cross of Merit.
- The Austrian Cross of Honour for Arts and Sciences.
Later Life and Instruments
The Amadeus Quartet stopped playing together in 1987. This was after Peter Schidlof, the violist, passed away. The other members felt that no one else could fit into their group as well as he did.
Norbert Brainin continued to perform music on his own. He often played with a pianist named Günter Ludwig.
Norbert Brainin played on some very special and valuable violins. These included the "Rode" Guarnerius del Gesu violin, made in 1734. He also played two famous Stradivarius violins: the "Chaconne" from 1725 and the "Gibson" from 1713.
