Hubert Giesen

German Pianist and Accompanist

Hubert Giesen was a German pianist known for his work as an accompanist, particularly in the realm of Lieder (German art songs). Born on November 7, 1898, in Leipzig, Germany, he developed a reputation for his sensitive and supportive playing alongside some of the most distinguished singers of his time. Giesen's career was marked by collaborations with notable vocalists such as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, with whom he recorded several albums of Lieder by composers like Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann. His interpretations of Schubert's "Die Schöne Müllerin," a song cycle based on poems by Wilhelm Müller, are especially well-regarded. Giesen's ability to blend with the vocal line while adding depth and nuance to the piano accompaniment made him a sought-after partner for recitals and recordings. He passed away on April 11, 1980, leaving behind a legacy as one of the foremost Lieder accompanists of the 20th century.