Malcolm Bilson
Malcolm Bilson (born October 24, 1935 ) is an American pianist .
biography
The American pianist Malcolm Bilson, along with Fritz Neumeyer , Rolf Junghanns , Paul Badura-Skoda , Jörg Demus and Bradford Tracey, belongs to the first generation of pianists who dealt intensively with historically informed performance practice. In addition to his pianistic activity, he recognized the importance of musicological studies and performance-related questions for playing on historical keyboard instruments as early as the 1960s - as well as the need to maintain a consistent exchange with instrument makers . His interpretations on instruments typical of the time represented a new approach to interpretation in a time that was mainly characterized by playing modern instruments.
Malcolm Bilson specializes in music from the late 18th and early 19th centuries . His preferred instrument is the fortepiano . On this instrument he performs the music of Joseph Haydn , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Schubert . At the same time he also devotes himself to unknown or forgotten composers of the classical and early romantic epochs.
Since 1968 he has been teaching at Cornell University in Ithaca , New York, where, as holder of the Frederick J. Whiton Chair in Music, he trained an entire generation of pianists who now hold important teaching positions around the world (including Bart van Oort - The Hague, Tom Beghin - Montreal, Ursula Duetschler - Holland, Zvi Meniker - Hanover). Since his retirement he has continued his pedagogical activity with master classes and lectures. He is also a member of the jury for important music competitions such as the International Johann Sebastian Bach Competition in Leipzig. With his 1995 DVD "Knowing the score", in which he examines the connection between notation and performance practice, Bilson set new scientific standards in piano education.
Malcolm Bilson appears internationally with the most important orchestras and conductors who maintain historical performance practice: John Eliot Gardiner , Christopher Hogwood , Nicholas McGegan, Concerto Köln , English Baroque Soloists , Academy of Ancient Music and Tafelmusik Toronto.
In 1994 Bilson was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences .
Discography (selection)
- Joseph Haydn: Piano Sonatas (Claves, 2005)
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Complete Piano Concertos (with the English Baroque Soloists under John Eliot Gardiner; Deutsche Grammophon - Archive Production, 1984–1989)
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Complete Piano Sonatas (Hungaroton, 1989–1991)
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Complete Sonatas for Fortepiano and Violin (with Sergiu Luca ; Nonesuch, 1984)
- Ludwig van Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas (Claves, 1996)
- Ludwig van Beethoven: Complete Sonatas for Pianoforte and Violoncello (with Anner Bylsma ; Nonesuch, 1987–1991)
- Franz Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas (Hungaroton, 2003)
- Franz Schubert: Works for piano four hands (with Robert Levin; Deutsche Grammophon - Archive Production, 1998)
Web links
- Homepage of Cornell University, Ithaca (NY) - Malcolm Bilson (Engl.)
- "Knowing the score" project by Malcolm Bilson (Eng.)
- Beethoven Piano Sonatas project by Malcolm Bilson (Engl.)
Individual evidence
- ^ Daniel Aloi, Ithaca NY, Festival of Early Romantic Piano Music . In: Cornell Chronicle Online , October 11, 2005
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Bilson, Malcolm |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American pianist |
| DATE OF BIRTH | October 24, 1935 |