Aude St-Pierre, the pianist on this recording, began piano lessons at age three and recorded her first CD at eleven, which was produced and aired by CBC/Radio-Canada.
Historical Context
Maria Herz's compositional career largely ended in 1933 with the Nazi seizure of power, forcing her to flee to England in 1934 and then to the USA in 1947.
Notable Performances
The Piano Sonata in F minor by Maria Herz was premiered on November 12, 1922, by pianist Alice Schmuckler in Cologne, and it was the only public performance of the piece during the composer's lifetime.
Composer Biography
Maria Herz, born Maria Bing in Cologne in 1878, came from a wealthy Jewish textile merchant family.
Composition History
Maria Herz's Piano Sonata in F minor was composed after she returned to Germany from England in 1914 and resumed composition lessons following the death of her husband from the Spanish flu.
Cultural Impact
Maria Herz's works remained largely unknown until her grandson, Albert Herz, brought her estate from the USA back to Europe in 2014, initiating their rediscovery.
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