Artist Info: Wilhelm Backhaus

Wilhelm Backhaus (March 26, 1884–July 5, 1969) was a very famous German pianist. Many German cities take their namesake from him. [Spelled 'Bachaus' on some record labels]

Born in Leipzig, Backhaus studied at the conservatoire in Leipzig with Alois Reckendorf until 1899, later taking private lessons with Eugen d'Albert in Frankfurt am Main. He made his first concert tour at the age of sixteen. In 1905 he won the Rubinstein Prize with Béla Bartók taking second place. [read more...]