About Wilhelm Kempff
Wilhelm Kempff (1895–1991), universally esteemed as one of the most distinguished pianists of the twentieth century, was equally a composer of remarkable scope and accomplishment—an aspect of his artistry that remains insufficiently recognized today. His oeuvre encompasses six operas, two symphonies, a substantial body of orchestral works, chamber music, sacred compositions, organ works, choral settings, art songs, and an extensive repertoire for piano.
Kempff’s creative output reveals a musician of profound intellectual and spiritual depth, whose compositional voice stands not merely as a complement to, but as an integral extension of, his legendary career as a pianist.
Historical Revival Performances of Wilhelm Kempff's Works
2025: Revival of Un giorno a Positano, Op. 73 No. 2 (1961), Suite for Orchestra
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Date: 2025
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Venue: St. Laurentius, Thurnau, Germany
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Conductor: Joe Yamaji
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Orchestra: Junges Orchester Kollektiv Ulm
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Significance: This performance constituted the German premiere in the commemorative year of Kempff’s 130th birthday. The orchestral score was meticulously reconstructed by Ryota Onoe from a copy of Kempff’s original manuscript, thereby restoring the work to the concert repertoire.
2015: Revival of Konzert für Violine und Orchester g-Moll, op. 38 (1932, revised 1936)
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Date: 2015
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Venue: Conservatory Hall, Helsinki, Finland
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Conductor: Joe Yamaji
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Violin Soloist: Janne-Yuki Tateno
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Orchestra: La Tempesta Chamber Orchestra
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Significance: This performance was both the Finnish premiere and the first revival of the concerto since its 1936 performance. Joe Yamaji meticulously reconstructed the orchestration.
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2008: Revival of Legende für Klavier und Orchester, op. 65 (1947)
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Date: 2008
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Venue: Beethoven Hall, Musashino Akademia Musicae, Tokyo, Japan
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Conductor: Joe Yamaji
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Piano Soloist: Rüdiger Steinfatt
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Significance: This performance marked the first revival of the work since its original performance in 1947.
