Microsoft Word - Piano Book.docx

(Jacob Rumans) #1

lived and taught in the USA. Granados dedicated the first piece in his ‘Goyescas’ to
Sauer. He retired in 1936 and died in Vienna in 1942.


Emil von Sauer’s pupils included Webster Aitken, Stefan Askenase, Edoardo Celli,
Sixten Eckerberg, Gunnar de Frumerie, Anita Harrison, Ignace Hilsberg, Maryla Jonas,
Lubka Kolessa, Walter Landau, Jacques de Menasce, Helena Morsztyn, Dennis Murdoch,
Elly Ney, Felix Petyrek, Erno Rapee, Dario Raucea, Germaine Schnitzer, Marie Varro,
Desider Vecsey, Paul Weingarten and Olaf Wibergh.


Sauer made Liszt discs including a recording of both Liszt piano concertos under Felix
Weingartner. He made Liszt rolls one of which, the Don Juan Fantasy, is on CD.


Sauer & Liszt


The death of Nicholas Rubinstein came during Emil von Sauer’s second year in Moscow
in 1881. After deciding against studies with Leschetizky, he returned to Hamburg. With
his family unable to assist his career, he moved to London and endured a poverty little
relieved by giving lessons and playing for indifferent listeners. His situation was
improved when the artist H. B Brabazon became his patron, supported Sauer and
arranged a tour in Spain and Italy. In Rome, Sauer met Liszt’s friend, the Princess
Carolyne Sayn-Wittgenstein, who insisted that he approach Liszt and attend his
masterclasses in Weimar.


In 1884 Sauer and Brabazon arrived in Leipzig and were received by Liszt:


‘To begin with, the conversation turned to our impressions of Spain, our experiences in
Rome, and the Princess’s state of health. Then he said: “My expectations are truly
pitched very high – the Princess writes to tell me that she is quite delighted with your
playing” (here he addressed my patron in French) “and also the selflessness with which
you, my dear Sir, have interested yourself in this talent. That is noble, and high-minded
disinterested behaviour is today becoming ever rarer.” Brabazon beamed! He then
invited us to accompany him that afternoon to the general rehearsal of his Christus, which
was to be performed the next day. “Tomorrow, too, we must improvise a brief session at
Blüthner’s” he said in conclusion, “for I am really curious to hear you.” ’


At the Weimar masterclasses, Sauer met Friedheim, Rosenthal, Reisenauer and his
Russian colleague Siloti. A diary of the masterclasses kept by Liszt pupil August
Göllerich noted the following performances by Sauer:


‘1884
May 31 Sgambati Piano Concerto opus 15 1st movement (with Reisenauer at the second
piano)


June 5 Sgambati concerto 2nd and 3rd movements (idem)


June 11 Schumann Toccata

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