Jorg Demus

Jorg Demus

Austrian pianist
Date of Birth: 02.12.1928
Country: Austria

Content:
  1. Biography of Jörg Demus
  2. Early Career and Influences
  3. Versatile Performer
  4. Recognition and Awards

Biography of Jörg Demus

Jörg Demus, born on December 2, 1928, is an Austrian pianist. He began learning to play the piano at the age of six and at eleven, he was admitted to the Vienna Academy of Music, specializing in piano and conducting. Demus completed his studies at the academy in 1945, at the age of seventeen.

Jorg Demus

Early Career and Influences

After graduating from the academy, Demus undertook internships, first in Paris with Yves Nat, and then in Saarbrücken with Walter Wilhelm Gieseking. From 1950 onwards, Jörg began actively traveling and performing concerts throughout Europe. In 1956, he was awarded the first prize at the International Ferruccio Busoni Piano Competition.

Versatile Performer

At the age of fourteen, Jörg made his professional debut as a musician, playing in the Brahms-Saal for the popular Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde. He often performed as an accompanist and frequently played chamber music with renowned singers such as Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Elly Ameling, and Peter Schreier. Demus also collaborated with string ensembles, sharing the stage with Josef Suk and Antonio Janigro.

Jörg's solo performances were equally impressive, showcasing his ability to master both classical and contemporary instruments. He is particularly remembered for his collaboration with Paul Badura-Skoda and his interpretations of Beethoven's piano sonatas.

Recognition and Awards

In 1974, Demus performed a series of concerts at the Peabody Mason Concert in Boston. He had a penchant for romantic piano compositions, often attracting him to chamber orchestras. His primary interest lied in German and Austrian music, and he was widely regarded as one of the best interpreters of Schubert and Schumann.

In 1979, Jörg Demus received the Mozart Medal from the Mozartgemeinde Wien. Two years prior, he was recognized by the Vienna Beethoven Society, and in 1986, he was awarded the Robert Schumann Prize for his complete recording of the composer's piano pieces.

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