Sebastian Peschko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sebastian Peschko
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| Born | 30 October 1909 Berlin, Germany
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| Died | 29 September 1987 (aged 77) Celle, Germany
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| Alma mater | Berlin University of the Arts |
| Occupation | Classical pianist |
| Years active | 1949–1998 |
| Children | Franziska, Johanna, Julia, Peter, Pedro (adopted) |
Sebastian Peschko (born October 30, 1909 – died September 29, 1987) was a famous German classical pianist. He was especially good at playing for "lieder" (pronounced "LEED-er"), which are German songs. He played the piano for many of the best singers of his time.
Contents
Life and Career
A Young Musician's Start
Sebastian Peschko was born in Berlin, Germany. His father, Paul Peschko, was also a musician, playing the organ and teaching.
From 1927 to 1933, Sebastian studied music at the Hochschule für Musik. This school is now known as the Berlin University of the Arts. He even received a special scholarship from Bechstein, a famous piano company. During his studies, he learned from a great teacher named Edwin Fischer.
In 1933, Sebastian won the important Mendelssohn-Award. This award showed he was a very talented young musician. From 1934 to 1950, he traveled the world. He played with Heinrich Schlusnus, a top German singer.
Playing with Famous Singers
Peschko was known as an amazing piano partner for many famous singers. He played with stars like Erna Berger, Lisa Della Casa, Nicolai Gedda, and Hermann Prey. He helped these singers sound their best.
Sebastian Peschko changed how people saw the "lieder" pianist. Before him, the pianist was often just seen as a helper. But Peschko showed that the pianist was an equal partner. He didn't just play notes; he built the whole musical feeling for each song. His strong hands made the piano keys come alive. He created a unique sound for every song, full of small, perfect details. He was truly a master of musical feeling.
Chamber Music and Radio Work
Besides playing for singers, Peschko also played chamber music. This is music for a small group of instruments. He worked with violinist Georg Kulenkampff and cellists Enrico Mainardi and Hans Adomeit.
From 1953 to 1958, Peschko worked at Radio Bremen. He was in charge of music for songs, choirs, and churches. In 1958, Rolf Liebermann created a new department just for lieder at Norddeutscher Rundfunk. Peschko worked there for many years. He produced shows, created music, and worked as a journalist. He also created a popular show called Meister des Liedes (Masters of Lieder). Many famous singers performed on this program.
In the early 1970s, Peschko taught at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. He taught students how to perform lieder.
Later Life and Honors
Peschko also composed music. He created musical arrangements for four poems by Christian Morgenstern. These pieces became well-known. Singer Helen Donath and pianist Klaus Donath performed them around the world.
In 1974, Sebastian Peschko received a very high honor from Germany. He was given the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. This award recognized his special artistic achievements.
Peschko also helped young musicians. He recognized and supported the talented singer Thomas Quasthoff early in his career.
Sebastian Peschko passed away in Celle, Germany, in 1987. He had three daughters named Franziska, Johanna, and Julia, and one son named Peter. He also had an adopted son named Pedro. The famous dancer and choreographer Susanne Linke is Sebastian Peschko's niece.
Partial Discography
Here are some of the recordings Sebastian Peschko played on:
- 1975: Heinrich Schlusnus sings lieder by Franz Schubert with Peschko on piano (TELDEC)
- 1977: Heinrich Schlusnus sings lieder by Robert Schumann with Peschko on piano (Deutsche Grammophon)
- 1994: Lisa Della Casa sings lieder by Richard Strauss with Peschko on piano (Sbt)
- 1999: Heinrich Schlusnus sings lieder with Peschko on piano (Preiser)
- 2002: Erna Berger sings lieder with Peschko on piano (Orfeo d'Or)
- 2002: Lisa Della Casa, Lieder and Arias, with Peschko on piano (EMI/Electrola)
- 2004: Grace Bumbry – early recordings, with Peschko on piano (Deutsche Grammophon)
