Richard Buhlig Collection

Richard Buhlig, an American pianist, was born in Chicago to German immigrants Moritz and Louise Buhlig. His early pianistic training was with August Hyllested, Margaret Cameron, Wilhelm Middelshulte, and Theodor Leschetizky. Buhlig maintained an active teaching and performing career, playing in recitals, concerts, and chamber performances across Europe and the United States. Buhlig was an intellectual pianist, hailed for his thoughtful interpretation and his programming of lesser-known piano repertoire—stylistically, he played a very large range of music, from Bach and Beethoven to Reger, Schoenberg, Debussy, and Bartók. He premiered Schoenberg’s op. 11 in England, to mixed reviews. Buhlig became a firm advocate for the contemporary music scene in the United States, working with renowned composers like Aaron Copland. He taught Henry Cowell, Grete Sultan, and John Cage, and he is responsible for getting Cage into contact with Arnold Schoenberg.

In addition to his commitment to contemporary music, Buhlig maintained an interest in the historical development of music and gave a number of lecture-recitals on music throughout the centuries. He lived in California for the later years of his life, and did not perform as widely, preferring to perform for small groups of connoisseurs who appreciated his modern programs. Buhlig was also involved in social issues, giving anti-Nazi speeches in Hollywood during the build-up to World War II.