Lisy Fischer

Elisabeth (Lisy) Fischer (born 22 August 1900 in Zurich – died 6 June 1999 giving piano recitals from 11 years of age first in Geneva and afterwards in Paris under the tutelage of Lucien Grou de Flagny and later Charles Barbier.

Early life and career Later as a teenager she played both as a soloist as well as with other musicians, giving concerts in Germany, where she studied from 15 years of age, and in Switzerland. She studied at the Stern Conservatory of Music in Berlin under Professor Martin Krause, Rudolf Maria Breithaupt and Professor Wilhelm Klatte where she was awarded the Professor Gustav Hollaender Medal in 1920, a few years after her fellow student, Claudio Arrau.

An extract of the citation signed by the Director Professor Alexander von Fielitz and her teachers reads "Her predetermination, the clarity and purity of her comprehension, the simplicity and natural manner of her performance, give her rendition a rare objectivity, calmness and technical competence. Her sincerity and purpose combined with a rare clarity and technical precision, as well as a fine musical dexterity, a loving and subtle extraction of every small detail give this new and unusual recital technique a compelling charm. These abilities further enhance the continued development of Miss Fischer’s compulsive, energetic and well disciplined character and clever mind on its way to a great artistic talent”.

Her teacher, Rudolf Breithaupt, had a special affinity towards her and wrote a personal note to her over his photograph on May 12, 1919 "The unconscious produces the greatest and most profound effects. To my student, Lisy Fischer, who is very conscious of what she is doing."

Concerts and critics An example of Lisy Fischer's published reviews: Date Publication Extract of Published Reviews 26 March 1912 Le Genevois “Mature artistic temperament, impeccable technique, light touch and a fine and delicate style” 10 February 1913 ABC “She is destimed to become a major artist once she has grown so her feet can reach the pedals” 15 June 1915 La Suisse “Miss Fischer demonstrated a gracious and even brilliant technique” 6 July 1917 Allgemeine Musik Zeitung “Lisy Fischer, still a doll and on her way to become a butterfly, exhibits very fine tone and rhythm” 21 January 1919 Berliner Mittagszeitung “An extraordinary talent was displayed by the childlike, young pianist, Lisy Fischer” 7 January 1920 Berliner Börsen Courier “Her technique is well groomed, her touch gentle and she plays with great sensitivity and understanding. She showed the individuality of her own personality” 27 November 1920 Crossener Tageblatt “She carries the name of the best and most famous living pianist – Edwin Fischer. She shares with him much more than great skill - the concept of great art. An unusual ability and skill join these two persons. Through mature aspiration in a rich artistic personality she already demonstrates great individuality to satisfy the audience. Miss Fischer is a child prodigy (Wunderkind) in the best sense of the word”.

Between 1920 and 1922 Lisy Fischer gave concerts in Baden, Berlin, Braunschweig, Cologne, Görlitz, Guben, Hannover, Leipzig, Magdeburg, and Stettin (now Szczecin in Poland).

Family

Lisy Fischer’s development as an artist was adversely affected by World War I. Her parents were supportive but of modest means,