Harold Bauer, an English pianist, initially studied the violin and made his debut on that instrument at age ten.
Performer Biography
Pianist Ignacy Jan Paderewski, a renowned Polish virtuoso, encouraged Harold Bauer to switch from violin to piano after being impressed by Bauer's talent playing orchestral parts on a second piano.
Interpretation
For his recording of Beethoven's 'Moonlight' Sonata, Harold Bauer consulted various editions and decided to play the first movement alla breve (two beats per bar) to fit it onto a 78rpm disc, resulting in a faster tempo.
Recording & Production
Harold Bauer's early electrical recordings for Victor in 1925 required many takes due to the newness of the electrical recording process; for example, the Durand Waltz took twelve attempts.
Performer Biography
Harold Bauer founded the Beethoven Society of New York in 1919 to promote the lesser-known works of Ludwig van Beethoven, the German composer.
Recording & Production
The stock market crash of 1929 temporarily halted Harold Bauer's recording activities, and he did not record again until 1934 in London.
Performer Biography
Maurice Ravel, the French composer, dedicated 'Ondine' from his piano suite Gaspard de la nuit to Harold Bauer, who also gave the New York premiere of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major.
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