Death of Stuttgart GMD
RIPNew has been released of the death ten days ago in Leipzig of Wolf-Dieter Hauschild, Generalmusikdirektor of Stuttgart in the 1980s. Before that, he led the radio orchestra and chorus in Leipzig until, receiving an offer from West Germany, he was declared an ‘enemy of the people.’
After Stuttgart, he headed orchestras in Essen, Halle and Rostock.
Hauschild was 85.
I had never heard of Wolf-Dieter Hauschild before until I acquired a 4-disc CD set of Brahms’ Complete Choral Works a cappella and with instrumental accompaniment. All I can say is: Wow! The performances were spellbinding, the music is incredible, and it has become one of my prized CD sets in a massive collection. I’ve heard some of this music before but never done so well. What was clear was that W-D H was a serious musician and one with talent, and a great Brahmsian (which has been confirmed in other recordings as well). Condolences to all who knew him.