Siegfried Behrend (Guitar, Composer, Arranger)

Born: November 19, 1933 - Berlin, Germany
Died: September 20, 1990 - Hausham, Germany

The German guitarist and composer, Siegfried Behrend, entered at the age of 16 Klindworth-Scharwenka Conservatory in Berlin, where he studied piano, composition and conducting. His father, a guitar virtuoso, guided his interest, and Siegfried was mostly a self-taught guitarist.

Siegfried Behrend made his debut as guitarist in Berlin (Baker's) or Leipzig (AMG) in 1952, and went on to make many world tours. Between September 1966 and June 1967 he made a concert tour through Germany, Asia and the USA, in which he performed works of De Visée, J.S. Bach, Sor, Giuliani, Ambrosius, Behrend, and De Falla. This programme reflects his versatility. His speciality was in avant-garde music, and several composers, including Becker and Penderecki have written works for him. He was known for his smooth technique and for his inclusion in his repertoire of popular pieces. He was the most important German guitarist of his time.

Source: Baker’s Biographical Dictionary of 20^th Century Classical Musicians (1997); Answers.com Website (from Lynn Vought, All Music Guide); German Wikipedia Website; Liner notes to the LP 'Siegfried Behrend Plays (DGG, 1966)
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (July 2008)

Siegfried Behrend: Short Biography | Recordings of Instrumental Works | Arrangements/Transcriptions: Works | Recordings

Links to other Sites

Siegfried Behrend (Answers.com)

Siegfried Behrend (Wikipedia) [German]