Edith Weiss-Mann German harpsichordist. Date of Birth: 11.05.1885 Country: Germany

1. Maria Augusta Waismann
2. Early Life and Education
3. Conversion to Harpsichord
4. Critical Writing and Journalism
5. Emigration and Teaching
6. Bach's Keyboard Concertos
7. Legacy

Maria Augusta Waismann

Maria Augusta Waismann was a renowned German harpsichordist and music scholar.

Early Life and Education

Born in Germany, Waismann initially studied piano in Berlin at the Hochschule für Musik and privately with James Kwast, Carl Friedberg, and José Vianna da Motta.

Conversion to Harpsichord

Influenced by Wanda Landowska, Waismann transitioned to harpsichord performance. In 1925, she co-founded the Vereinigung zur Pflege alter Musik (Society for the Preservation of Early Music) in Hamburg, promoting the revival of historical music.

Critical Writing and Journalism

Beyond her musical practice, Waismann actively contributed as a music critic and journalist. She wrote for the Frankfurter Zeitung and Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, and served as the Hamburg correspondent for the New York Music Courier.

Emigration and Teaching

In 1939, Waismann emigrated to the United States, settling in New York City. She taught at the Newark College of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University.

Bach's Keyboard Concertos

Waismann is credited with being the first to perform Johann Sebastian Bach's keyboard concertos as a complete cycle on the harpsichord.

Legacy

Waismann's son, Alfred Mann, became a renowned musicologist and performer on historical instruments, continuing the family's musical tradition.