A renowned violinist celebrated for his intense, expressive performances and diverse repertoire, from Bach to contemporary works. He is particularly admired for his nuanced, introspective approach to the violin.
Renowned for his sublime tone and technical mastery, Christian Tetzlaff has established himself as one of the most sought-after violinists of our time, with a particular focus on chamber music. With a career spanning over three decades, he has captivated audiences worldwide with his thought-provoking interpretations and collaborations with esteemed musicians.
Born on April 29, 1966, in Hamburg, Germany, Christian Tetzlaff was exposed to music from a young age. His parents, both amateur musicians, met in a church choir, and he began playing the violin and piano at the age of 6. He made his concert debut at 14, and later studied with Uwe-Martin Haiberg at the Musikhochschule Lübeck and Walter Levin at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music.
Tetzlaff's breakthrough as a soloist came in 1988, at the age of 22, when he performed Schoenberg's Violin Concerto with the Cleveland Orchestra and the Munich Philharmonic. The following year, he made his solo recital debut in New York City. He has since collaborated with major orchestras and notable conductors, including the Tonhalle Orchestra Zürich under David Zinman, with whom he recorded Beethoven's works for violin and orchestra.
Tetzlaff's discography is marked by critically acclaimed recordings, including his 2007 release of Bach's sonatas and partitas for solo violin, and his 2012 recording of three Mozart violin sonatas with Lars Vogt. His recording of Schumann's violin sonatas with Lars Vogt was named Gramophone's Recording of the Month for January 2014. He has also explored modern works, such as the violin concertos of György Ligeti and Stuart MacRae.
In 2011, he signed a long-term recording contract with Ondine, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and innovative artist. He has been appointed Artist in Residence of the Dresden Philharmonic (2018-2019) and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (2019), testament to his enduring impact on the music world.
Tetzlaff plays a contemporary violin by Stefan-Peter Greiner, which he has used since 2002. He prefers this instrument to his previous ones, citing its unique tone and expressiveness.
A passionate advocate for chamber music, Tetzlaff has collaborated with distinguished musicians, including his sister Tanja (cello) and Leif Ove Andsnes (piano), with whom he recorded Schumann's piano trios to great acclaim. His commitment to the genre is evident in his numerous recordings and performances of chamber music repertoire.
Christian Tetzlaff's dedication to his craft, coupled with his boundless creativity and interpretive insight, has earned him a place among the pantheon of great violinists. As he continues to inspire and enchant audiences worldwide, his impact on the world of classical music will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.
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