Artur Schnabel

Schnabel, Artur (ärˈtŏr shnäˈbəl) [key], 1882–1951, Austrian-American pianist, b. Lipnik, at that time in Austria. He studied (1891–97) with Leschetizky and began his concert tours in Europe in 1896. Schnabel made his first tour of the United States in the 1921–22 season and appeared there regularly beginning in 1936. Schnabel is best known for his dynamic interpretations and editions of Beethoven's piano works. He recorded all 32 Beethoven sonatas and many other works. Schnabel was also an active composer; among his own works are three symphonies, five string quartets, a piano concerto, chamber and piano pieces, songs, and the Rhapsody for Orchestra (1948). His writings include Reflections on Music (tr. 1934) and Music and the Line of Most Resistance (1942). In 1945 he became a U.S. citizen.

See his My Life and Music (ed. by E. Crankshaw, 1961); biography by C. Saerchinger (1957, repr. 1973).
