Norbert Brainin, Austrian violinist (b. 1923)

Norbert Brainin, an exceptional violinist whose artistry left an indelible mark on the world of classical music, was born on March 12, 1923, in Vienna, Austria, and passed away in London on April 10, 2005. He is best remembered as the charismatic first violinist and a foundational member of the Amadeus Quartet, which garnered global acclaim as one of the twentieth century's most revered string quartets. His legacy is deeply intertwined with the ensemble's distinctive sound and enduring impact.

Brainin's early life was profoundly shaped by the turbulent political landscape of Europe. Of Jewish origin, he was among countless individuals forced to flee his homeland following the 1938 Anschluss, when Nazi Germany annexed Austria. This period of intense persecution also drove fellow violinists Siegmund Nissel and violist Peter Schidlof from Vienna. Their paths, destined to converge, first crossed under challenging circumstances. Brainin and Schidlof met within the confines of a British internment camp. Paradoxically, after reaching the perceived safety of the United Kingdom as refugees, many Jewish individuals like them were classified and detained by the British authorities as "enemy aliens," a term used for nationals of countries hostile to the UK, regardless of their refugee status or the persecution they faced. Brainin’s internment was relatively short-lived; he was released after a few months. Schidlof, however, remained in the camp for a longer period, where he serendipitously encountered Siegmund Nissel, forging the initial connections of what would become a legendary musical partnership.

Upon their release, the three musicians—Brainin, Schidlof, and Nissel—were incredibly fortunate to find a dedicated mentor in the renowned violin pedagogue Max Rostal. Rostal, recognizing their immense talent and understanding their difficult circumstances, generously offered them free tuition, providing a crucial lifeline for their musical development. It was Rostal, a pivotal figure in their formation, who co-founded the prestigious Carl Flesch International Violin Competition, an event that would further affirm Brainin's prodigious skill when he triumphed in the 1946 edition. Rostal’s influence extended beyond teaching; he also introduced them to the gifted cellist Martin Lovett, completing the quartet. In 1947, this nascent group formed the "Brainin Quartet," which, a year later in 1948, was officially renamed the Amadeus Quartet, a name that would soon resonate globally.

The Amadeus Quartet: A Legacy of Excellence

The Amadeus Quartet swiftly rose to prominence, establishing itself as one of the most celebrated and enduring ensembles of the 20th century. Their unique blend of individual virtuosity and collective cohesion, often referred to as the "Amadeus sound," captivated audiences worldwide. For an extraordinary 40 years, the quartet maintained its original lineup, a remarkable achievement in the often-changing world of classical music ensembles, symbolizing their profound personal and musical bond. Their dedication to chamber music earned them an impressive array of international accolades and honors:

Life After the Quartet and Brainin's Final Years

The Amadeus Quartet's illustrious journey came to a poignant end in 1987 with the untimely death of violist Peter Schidlof. The surviving members—Norbert Brainin, Siegmund Nissel, and Martin Lovett—felt that Schidlof was truly irreplaceable, and rather than continue with a new member, they collectively decided to disband the quartet, preserving the integrity of their unique four-decade partnership.

Following the dissolution of the Amadeus Quartet, Norbert Brainin continued to share his musical gifts as a soloist, frequently collaborating with distinguished pianists such as Günter Ludwig and Maureen Jones. His commitment to music and various causes remained steadfast, exemplified by a benefit concert he performed in Washington, D.C., in 1992 for Lyndon LaRouche, who was at the time a jailed presidential candidate. Brainin was known for his discerning taste in instruments, playing some of the most legendary violins ever crafted. His collection included the magnificent "Rode" Guarnerius del Gesù of 1734, renowned for its rich and powerful tone, as well as two exquisite Stradivarius violins: the "Chaconne" of 1725 and the "Gibson" of 1713, instruments that are masterpieces of the luthier's art and valued for their unparalleled clarity and beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Norbert Brainin?
Norbert Brainin (1923–2005) was an acclaimed Austrian-British violinist, most famously known as the first violinist and a co-founder of the legendary Amadeus Quartet, one of the 20th century's most influential string quartets.
What was the Amadeus Quartet?
The Amadeus Quartet was a highly renowned string quartet formed in 1947, originally as the Brainin Quartet, and renamed in 1948. Comprising Norbert Brainin (first violin), Siegmund Nissel (second violin), Peter Schidlof (viola), and Martin Lovett (cello), they were celebrated for their unique "Amadeus sound" and maintained their original lineup for 40 years until Schidlof's death.
How did the members of the Amadeus Quartet meet?
Norbert Brainin, Siegmund Nissel, and Peter Schidlof, all Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Austria, met under extraordinary circumstances. Brainin and Schidlof first met in a British internment camp for "enemy aliens." Schidlof later met Nissel in the same camp. They were then brought together by their mentor, Max Rostal, who also introduced them to cellist Martin Lovett, completing the quartet.
Why were Brainin, Nissel, and Schidlof interned in the UK?
Despite being Jewish refugees who had fled persecution in Nazi-occupied Austria, they were interned by British authorities as "enemy aliens." This designation was applied to nationals of countries with which Britain was at war, even if those individuals were refugees from those very regimes.
What were some of the major achievements and awards of the Amadeus Quartet?
The Amadeus Quartet received numerous prestigious honors, including being appointed Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1960, receiving honorary doctorates from several universities, the Grand Cross of Merit (Germany's highest civilian award), and the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art.
When and why did the Amadeus Quartet disband?
The Amadeus Quartet disbanded in 1987 following the death of their violist, Peter Schidlof. The remaining members considered him irreplaceable, choosing to conclude their illustrious four-decade career rather than continue with a new lineup.
What instruments did Norbert Brainin play?
Norbert Brainin played several highly prized violins throughout his career. His notable instruments included the "Rode" Guarnerius del Gesù of 1734, and two distinguished Stradivarius violins: the "Chaconne" of 1725 and the "Gibson" of 1713.