Arthur Martinus Hartmann (né Arthur Hartman; July 23, 1881 – March 30, 1956)[1][2] was an American violinist, composer and friend of Claude Debussy.[1]
Hartmann was the son of Sigmund Hartman and Pepi Schweiger, who had immigrated from Hungary in December 1879. His father discovered his musical talents early on, and from the age of 6 Arthur studied with the Dutch-born violinist and composer Martinus van Gelder [nl; ru] (1854–1941). Later, Hartmann would adopt "Martinus" as a middle name in his teacher's honor.[1]
Author of "Claude Debussy as I Knew Him' and Other Writings of Arthur Hartmann"
Biography
This section is empty. Arthur Hartmann (1881-1956) was born on July 23, 1881 in Philadelphia, although later in life he would persist in claiming to have been born in the town of Mate Szalka, Hungary. (The town does not exist.) A child prodigy on the violin, he made his debut in Philadelphia in 1887. His career as a concert artist brought him into contact with many well-known composers and performers of his time. Most notably he became a close friend of Claude Debussy, who dedicated his transcription of Minstrels for violin and piano to Hartmann. He was a member of the founding faculty of Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York during its first academic year, 1921-22. Hartmann was very active in promoting new music for the violin, which led to a correspondence with several prominent composers in order to determine points of interpretation. Hartmann suffered financial hardship at different times during his life, which led to his sale of manuscripts and other possessions in order to raise money. He died in New York on March 30, 1956. You can help by adding to it. (July 2010)
