Bauer, Harold, 1873-1951

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Bauer, Harold, 1873-1951

Harold Bauer was born in Kingstson-upon-Thames, England, on 28 April 1873. After attempting a career as a violinist, Bauer focused his musical talents on the piano and became one of the most beloved pianists of the first half of the 20th century. After successful appearances throughout Europe, he debuted in the United States in 1900 with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In 1917, he became an American citizen. Bauer founded the Beethoven Association of New York in 1919 and was vice president of the Manhattan School of Music.

Harold Bauer's association with the University of Miami School of Music began through his friendship with Marie Volpe, wife of School of Music faculty and University Orchestra founder Arnold Volpe. Mrs. Volpe invited Bauer to the University in 1940. Bauer taught his fist master classes in January and February of 1941, attracting students from around the country. Bauer discontinued his association with the University in 1943 but resumed his winter visits in 1946.

His association with the University deepened as he advised the School of Music on the standards of its piano education component. Harold Bauer also offered concerts for the South Florida community at the University. With his wife, concert pianist Winnie Pyle, Harold Bauer visited spent his winters at the University of Miami until he died at the age of 77 at Jackson Memorial Hospital on 12 March 1951. For a time, supported by gifts from Mrs. Winnie Bauer, the School of Music offered the Harold Bauer Awards to students demonstrating greatest progress and outstanding achievement.