Hans Richter-Haaser

Hans Richter-Haaser (6 January 1912 – 13 December 1980) was a noted German classical pianist, who was known for his interpretations of Beethoven, Schubert and Schumann.

During World War II, while fighting for the Nazis with an anti-aircraft unit, he had no opportunity to play for years on end, and his technique slipped.

He then made a number of international tours, including to the United Kingdom, North and South America, and Australia.

His American debut in 1959 was hailed as "one of the biggest keyboard talents to hit Manhattan in years".

[2] He played under over 200 conductors, including John Barbirolli, Ferenc Fricsay, Eugen Jochum, Rudolf Kempe, Wolfgang Sawallisch, Joseph Keilberth, Herbert von Karajan, Carlo Maria Giulini,[5] István Kertész, Karl Böhm, Kurt Sanderling and Erich Leinsdorf.