Hermann Scherchen

Hermann Scherchen (1891-1966) was a pioneering German conductor renowned for his advocacy of contemporary music and his unique conducting style, which famously eschewed the use of a baton. Born in Berlin, Scherchen began his musical journey as a violist, performing with notable orchestras and studying intensively to become a self-taught musician. His career took a significant turn when he became the principal conductor of the Winterthur City Orchestra from 1922 to 1950, where he championed works by avant-garde composers such as Arnold Schoenberg, Anton Webern, Alban Berg, and Edgard Varèse, among many others.

Scherchen's repertoire was remarkably diverse, spanning from Baroque masters like Vivaldi to the cutting-edge compositions of Iannis Xenakis and Luigi Nono. His recordings, which include a wide range of classical and modern works, are celebrated for their exciting and idiosyncratic performances. Scherchen's influence extended beyond the concert hall; he founded several music journals and publishing houses, and his electronic music studio in Switzerland became a hub for innovative musical experimentation. His legacy endures as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the advancement of modern music.