Julian von Karolyi ∙ Piano Recitals in Germany 1954-1956

Julian von Károlyi gained widespread recognition for his masterful interpretations of the works of Chopin and Liszt. He commenced his musical training under the tutelage of the renowned piano pedagogue Margit Varró in Budapest. Subsequently, he pursued further musical education in Germany, studying with Josef Pembaur Jr. in Munich and Max von Pauer, the esteemed director of the Leipzig Conservatory. After auditioning for Alfred Cortot, he was extended an invitation to join Cortot’s piano class at the École Normale de Musique in Paris. In 1929, Károlyi debuted in London at Aolian Hall, impressing audiences with his remarkable talent. Four years later, he made his highly acclaimed Paris debut at Salle Gaveau in 1933. Károlyi’s final mentor was Ernst von Dohnányi, under whose guidance he honed his skills at the Music Academy in Budapest from 1932 to 1934. Through Dohnányi’s influential connections in Berlin, Károlyi secured an invitation to deliver his inaugural Berlin recital at Bechstein-Saal on 23 March 1934. Remarkably, the outbreak of the Second World War did not disrupt Károlyi’s flourishing career. Despite the challenging circumstances, he continued to perform regularly in Hungary, Germany, Spain, and the Scandinavian countries throughout the war. In 1945, Károlyi found himself displaced, becoming a resident of a United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) camp in Czechoslovakia. Károlyi journeyed to the American Zone of Germany, which provided a safe haven for displaced persons (DPs). Establishing Munich as his primary residence, Károlyi’s post-war concert tour in 1947 marked the beginning of his remarkable popularity in Germany. He subsequently embarked on extensive tours throughout Europe, South America, and Asia. Notably, his United States debut took place in 1951 at a recital held in New York’s Carnegie Hall. Eventually, in 1981, he retired from active concert life and transitioned to a teaching role at the Hochschule für Musik in Würzburg. Károlyi’s specialized courses on the works of Chopin and Liszt garnered significant demand. He retired in 1983 and spent the last years of his life in seclusion in Munich where he died after a serious sickness in 1993.