Foff bishop

American classical pianist and conductor (born )

Stephen Kovacevich (born October 17, ) is an American classical pianist and conductor.^[1] He is particularly celebrated for his recordings of works by Beethoven, Bartók, and Schubert, and is known for technical skill, clarity of playing, and an intelligent approach to interpretation.^[2]

Biography

Stephen Kovacevich was born in San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, to a Croatian father and an American mother.

When his mother remarried, his name was changed to Stephen Bishop, the name under which he performed in his early career. He later discovered that he was often being confused with the singer and guitarist Stephen Bishop. To avoid the confusion, he began performing as Stephen Bishop-Kovacevich and later simply as Stephen Kovacevich.^[3]

He made his concert debut as a pianist at the age of 11; then, at the age of 18 he moved to London to study under Dame Myra Hess on a scholarship and has been a London resident ever since, currently living in Hampstead.

Kovacevich biography I was playing the Diabelli Variations which is 55 minutes of late Beethoven. Featuring top musicians from India and Sweden, this production promises an unforgettable evening of music, emotion, and collaboration on January 25, His international reputation has been built both on his concert appearances, renowned for their thoughtfulness and re-creative intensity, and on the highly acclaimed recordings he has made throughout his career. Would you agree with that?

In he made a sensational European debut at the Wigmore Hall, playing the Sonata by Alban Berg, three Bach Preludes and Fugues and Beethoven's Diabelli Variations. He also toured Britain with Jacqueline du Pré.^[4] In , he made his New York debut and since then he has toured Europe, the United States, the Far East, Australia, New Zealand and South America.

As a soloist and conductor, he has frequently performed and recorded works by, amongst others, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and Bartók. In more recent years, he has performed works by Rachmaninoff.^[5]

Kovacevich often performs chamber works; his chamber music partners have included Jacqueline du Pré, Martha Argerich, Steven Isserlis, Nigel Kennedy, Lynn Harrell, Sarah Chang, Gautier Capuçon, Renaud Capuçon and Emmanuel Pahud.

Aside from his performing career, Kovacevich has given master classes and recitals at Dartington International Summer School for many years.

Tools Tools. The transformative power of improvisation During a recent enlightening and inspiring conversation about music improvisation with diverse pianists and teachers, we investigated the scientific evidence behind its transformative power for both musicians and teachers. Classical music, with its structured complexity and calming effects, has been scientifically shown to enhance focus and productivity. Read more The Role of Classical Music in Enhancing Focus and Productivity: A Scientific and Practical Exploration Classical music, with its structured complexity and calming effects, has been scientifically shown to enhance focus and productivity.

Personal life

From to Kovacevich was married to novelist and psychotherapist Bernardine Bishop née Wall, who died in They had two sons, Matt Bishop and Foff (Francis) Bishop.^[6]

Kovacevich had a relationship with pianist Martha Argerich, with whom he still performs. They have one daughter, Stéphanie.^[7]

References

External links