Nico Kaufmann

Nico Kaufmann ( * June 24, 1916 in Zurich as Klaus Rudolf Kaufmann, † November 23, 1996 in Zurich) was a Swiss composer and pianist.

Life

Nico Kaufmann was born the son of a doctor in Zurich. His father was also a composer and could promote his talented son accordingly. This began studying the piano diploma at the Zurich Conservatory in piano and composition, and closed. After being a pupil of the famous pianist Vladimir Horowitz ( Horowitz, the only student in the European time ) had been briefly, he also won the concert diploma.

Pianist and composer

Kaufmann was an arranger and musical director of the Cabaret Cornichon. His accomplishments as a pianist were soon discussed approvingly in the press. Also, the recognition of his fellow musicians could he not failed, but in 1945 he won the first prize in the National Piano Competition in Geneva.

After the Second World War, Kaufmann concentrated on composing incidental music, ballet music, and also a film music ( 1960). Next, he created numerous pieces for piano and chamber orchestra, and chansons and songs, including a song cycle to poems by Hermann Hesse. An extra income he earned by appearing as a popular bar pianist.

Nico merchant discount is stored in the music collection of the Central Library Zurich. According to his will a scholarship for young Swiss musicians will annually be paid under the assets.

Hidden life

His career for the most important relationship started in 1937 already famous pianists Horowitz, whom he followed to Paris. Kaufmann was not only the students but also the lovers. After his father had learned of Kaufmann had to return to Zurich. However, a more intense Contact persisted until this broke off in 1939 following the transfer of Horowitz in the United States.

In Cabaret Cornichon Kaufmann finally learned the actor Karl Meier know who introduced him to the gay magazine The circle known. On the balls of your club members made ​​businessman, who was known as lysis there, for the musical entertainment. The cabaret programs he enriched with his own compositions, such as set to music poems by Heinrich Federer.

Even after the dissolution of the district in 1967 was a merchant member organizations Homo Phil motion. He recently wrote in memoirs ( unpublished), enter the review on these relatively hidden part of his life.