Walter Klien (November 27, 1928 – February 10, 1991) was an Austrian pianist, renowned for his interpretations of classical and romantic repertoire. Born in Graz, Austria, he was a child prodigy who went on to study under the legendary pianist Wilhelm Kempff and with Paul Baumgartner. His mastery of the keyboard and deep understanding of the music he played earned him a reputation as one of the finest pianists of his generation.

Klien's career was marked by his insightful performances and recordings of works by Vienna’s musical icons such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. These recordings have been praised for their lucidity, technical finesse, and musical intelligence. Klien enjoyed a prolific recording career, ranging from complete cycles of Mozart piano sonatas to the works of Schubert and the Romantic repertoire, including much praised recordings of Brahms and Schumann. His partnership in chamber music performances with leading musicians of his time further expanded the reach of his artistry. Though he passed away in 1991, his extensive recorded legacy continues to be celebrated and rediscovered by classical music enthusiasts, as evidenced by the remastered releases that bring his interpretations to the ears of a new generation of listeners.

Genres

Austrian Classical Piano

Latest Release

Beethoven: Choral Works & Piano Concertos

Ludwig van Beethoven•

Walter Klien•

St. Louis Symphony•

Jerzy Semkow

Album - 7 Tracks - Released October 27, 2023