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Hans BassermannGerman violinist
Date of Birth: 20.09.1888
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Orchestral Experience
- Teaching and Wartime Service
- Nazi Persecution and Emigration
- Palestine and the United States
- Later Life and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Fritz Bassmann, the son of violinist Fritz Bassmann and pianist Florence Bassmann, was born into a musical family in Germany. He began his studies at the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin under Henri Marteau and later attended the Stern Conservatory.
Orchestral Experience
Bassmann's orchestral career took him to the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic, where he served as concertmaster from 1910 to 1911.
Teaching and Wartime Service
During the First World War, Bassmann served as a medical inspector in German army hospitals. After the war, he returned to Berlin and held teaching positions at the Scharwenka Conservatory, the Leipzig Conservatory, and the Weimar Hochschule für Musik.
Nazi Persecution and Emigration
With the rise of the Nazis, Bassmann's Jewish heritage forced him to perform with the Frankfurt Orchestra of the Kulturbund, an organization for Jewish artists. In 1936, he escaped to Switzerland, where he became concertmaster of the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande for one season.
Palestine and the United States
After a successful debut in Palestine with the Palestine Orchestra, Bassmann moved to the United States in 1938. He joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra until 1944 and then the Chicago Symphony Orchestra until 1946.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1952, Bassmann settled in Florida, where he taught at the Southern College of Florida until his death. His teaching inspired numerous students, including the renowned violinist Franz Konwitschny.
