Alban Berg Quartet mourns its co-founder
RIPThe founding violist of the famed Alban Berg Quartet, Hatto Beyerle, died yesterday, aged 90.
Hatto created the quartet in 1970 with violinist Günter Pichler and played in it for 11 years. He was also professor of viola and chamber music at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, and later in Basle.
From 1985 to 1998 Beyerle was conductor of the Konzertvereinigung of the Vienna Konzerthaus.
His students include the Hagen Quartet, Szymanowski Quartet and the Trio Jean Paul.
They were one of the best quartets ever.
Never an empty seat at the royal festival hall.
Totally agree. i was fortunate to study with Gunter Pichler and attended all their Concerts in Vienna during my year of study. I also came to the Concerts when they performed at the South Bank
As a former student of Hatto’s and a huge admirer of his generous humanity I am deeply saddened. Hatto was a marvelous teacher of the viola but also of life. I saw him last about 2 years ago, in Hannover where he lived, and am so grateful to have had that get together with him. I will miss him greatly and he will always be with me in my heart and soul. Hatto, RIP!
Another former student of Hatto Beyerle here – a very lucky American fortunate enough to work with him in Vienna back in the 1980’s. A life-changing viola teacher, chamber music coach, and a fascinating human – fluent in so many languages to accommodate the very international class he would command. His influence lives on in so many musicians worldwide. Thank you, Hatto, for everything.