Sebastian Peschko (October 30, 1909 – September 29, 1987) was a German classical pianist renowned for his skill in performing Lieder. He served as an accompanist to some of the most prominent lyrical singers of the 20th century.
Life and Career
Peschko was born October 30, 1909, in Berlin, Germany. His father, Paul Peschko, was an organist and private lecturer. Peschko pursued his musical studies at the Hochschule für Musik, (now known as the Berlin University of the Arts), from 1927 to 1933. In 1930, he was awarded a Bechsteinscholarship, which supported his education. During that period, he studied under renowned pianist, Edwin Fischer. In 1933, Peschko won the Mendelssohn Award. Following this, he played alongside Germany's foremost lyric baritone singer, Heinrich Schlusnus, touring globally from 1934 until 1950.
From 1953 to 1958, Peschko was responsible for lieder, choir, and church music at Radio Bremen. In 1958, Rolf Liebermann created a lieder department at Norddeutscher Rundfunk, selecting Peschko because of his knowledge and significant work in lieder music. Peschko went on to work there for multiple decades. In addition to working as a producer, creative artist and journalist, he also invented the format Meister des Liedes (Masters of lieder).[citation needed]
Peschko performed as tutor for lieder interpretations at the Mozarteum in Salzburg in the early 1970s.
In 1974, Peschko was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for his contributions to lieder interpretation and his impactful work as a music producer.[citation needed]
Peschko played an early role in supporting baritone, Thomas Quasthoff.
On September 29, 1987, at the age of 77, Peschko died in Celle, Germany. He had five children: three daughters, Franziska, Johanna and Julia, and two sons, Peter and Pedro, the latter of whom was adopted. Dancer and choreographer, Susanne Linke, is Peschko's niece.
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