Mischa Hillesum
1920 - 1943
For a full biography and a complete list of works with links to scores and recordings, visit www.forbiddenmusicregained.org
Jan Willem Regenhardt wrote a biography of Mischa Hillesum. A recording of Hillesum’s two Preludes for piano, performed by Marianne Boer is included.
The pianist Mischa Hillesum was an extremely musical, sensitive but also mentally unstable personality. Conservatory teachers acknowledged his stunning talents and audiences were thrilled by his performances. Music was his primary necessity, his way of dealing with daily realities. He was hospitalized several times in a mental institution. In 1943, the Hillesum family arrived in Westerbork. Mischa eventually died while detained as a forced laborer in Warsaw. Only a few of his compositions are known.
Mischa Hillesum was raised in an unconventional environment in Deventer. In the family home, certainly not typically Dutch with its exotic interior and bohemian atmosphere, all attention was given to intellectual and cultural matters. Just three years of age, he amazed everyone with his piano playing. His small hands raced over the keys, and if he couldn't reach far enough … Continue
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Twee preludes 1940 piano
For a complete list of works by Mischa Hillesum visit our website Forbidden Music Regained.
Let forbidden music sound again
In the Second World War, many composers were silenced because of their Jewish descent or their resistance. Their music was forbidden. The Leo Smit Stichting carries out research, tells composers' stories, makes sheet music available and performs forgotten music. Together with musicians, programmers, researchers and listeners we give composers their rightful place in music history.
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