Among the most distinguished pianists of his day, Wilhelm Kempff was the son of the Potsdam organist and made an early name for himself both as organist and pianist. His fame as a performer has tended to eclipse his achievement as a composer.
Piano Music
Kempff’s compositions include six stage works, two symphonies, chamber, songs and piano music. Among the last are transcriptions for piano of works by J.S. Bach that reflect his own experience also as an organist. His Italian Suite reflects his association with Positano, where he gave summer courses, dying there in 1991.