Backhaus was born in Leipzig. His mother, amateur pianist, began his
musical tutorage. He was taught by Aloys Leckendorf at Leipzig Conservatory
from 1891 to 1899. In 1898, he went to Frankfurt am Main, becoming Eugene
d'Albert's pupil. D'Albert was pupil of Liszt and well-known for his
Beethoven interpretation. There are contradictory opinions on this lesson
to Backhaus' musical growing.
In 1900, he began concert tour and played with Gewandhaus Orchestra
conducted by Arthur Nikisch. His fame was spread worldwide after the
Rubinstein Competition in Paris, August 1905, at which he won the first
prize. Though the great composer Bela Bartók was competitor in
this competition, he said, "Backhaus really played very beautifully."
His New York debut took place on 5th January 1912. In the concert, he
played 'Emperor' concerto and hailed as virtuoso everywhere in USA.
He toured South America, Asia and Europe till then.
His interest was only playing. His teaching did not last long - Manchester
Royal College of Music(1905), Curtis(1925~26), etc. Except for his military
service in World War I, he concentrated all of this time on playing
on stage and recordings. Even the Nazi regime could not stop his playing,
which allies listed him up as Nazi colleague temporarily. His total
concert appearances are said to be over 4000 times. After World War
II, he settled at Lugano(Swiss), and was admired as one of the great
interpreters of Beethoven and Brahms by everyone. His nickname 'Lion
of the keyboard' has been only for him from now on. His last recital
took place on 28th June 1969, of which he died of heart failure seven
days later at a hospital in Villach(Austria). He was buried in Cologne.
His playing style is often characterized as perfect technique, somewhat
fast tempi, straightness, and power. But most of all, his charming point
is soft and mature sonority and deep lyricism. The beauty of his tone
is undoubtedly first class in his contemporaries.
Backhaus had never depended for only his born-talent. They say there
was a painting of very sad miner in his house. Whenever he was asked
why he had so sad picture, he replied "Whenever I see the picture,
I realize my labour is not harder than him". And when he was asked
what was a key to his perfect technique, he said, "Only scale".
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