Emil von Sauer German pianist, composer and teacher. Date of Birth: 08.10.1862 Country: Germany

Emil von Sauer: German Pianist, Composer, and Educator

Emil von Sauer was a renowned German pianist, composer, and educator. He received his first music lessons from his mother and later studied under Ludwig Deppe. In 1879, he entered the Moscow Conservatory, studying under N.G. Rubinstein. After Rubinstein's death in 1881, Sauer attempted to start a solo career but received a lukewarm response from audiences. He decided to continue his studies instead.

In 1884-1885, Sauer furthered his education under Ferenc Liszt in Weimar. Following this, he successfully debuted in Berlin with Beethoven's Fifth Concerto and Hans von Bülow's Concerto, earning him a reputation as an outstanding virtuoso pianist. Sauer extensively toured various cities in Europe, including Russia in 1896. From 1901 to 1907, he taught at the Classes for Advanced Piano Playing at the Vienna Conservatory. He later lived and worked in Dresden for a few years before returning to his previous position in 1915. Sauer continued to perform and teach until 1936, spending his remaining years in Vienna. In 1938, he served as a jury member for the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels. Among his notable students are Webster Aitken, Lubka Kolessa, Ellie Neh, Stefan Askenazy, Izolda Algrim, and many other renowned pianists of subsequent years.

Sauer was a virtuoso pianist known for his brilliant technical skills, temperament, and poetic inspiration. He made several recordings, with his interpretations of Liszt's two concertos being particularly notable. Sauer's own compositions include two piano concertos, two sonatas, concert etudes, and numerous other piano pieces. His first concerto was recorded by pianist Stephen Hough for the renowned project "Romantic Piano Concertos," while a complete recording of Sauer's piano compositions was later produced by Oleg Marshyev. Sauer also edited works by Johannes Brahms, Domenico Scarlatti, Franz Liszt, and Frédéric Chopin.