Hans Bottermund

Full biography Hans Bottermund

Hans Bottermund (1918-2012) was a German composer and cellist. He was born in Berlin and studied under various renowned cellists, including Emanuel Feuermann and Pablo Casals. Bottermund became the principal cellist of the Berlin Philharmonic in 1945 , a position he held until 1957.

As a composer, Bottermund is recognized for his dedication to the cello, with many of his works featuring the instrument prominently. He composed chamber music, orchestral works and solo pieces for cello. One of his most famous compositions is Variations on a Theme by Paganini, a set of variations for solo cello written in 1953. The piece reimagines Niccolò Paganini's Caprice No. 24 in A minor, transformed through Bottermund's interpretation for solo cello. The piece has been widely performed and recorded by many cellists, including Janos Starker, who was a close collaborator of Bottermund.

In addition to his composition and performance career, Bottermund was also a teacher and taught at various music schools, including the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich. He was known for his commitment to music education and for supporting young musicians.

Overall, Hans Bottermund was an important figure in the world of classical music, recognized for his contributions as a cellist, composer, and educator. His legacy continues to live on through his compositions, which are still performed and studied by musicians worldwide.