Description

ERICH RÖHN (GROSS LEUTHEN, 16 APRIL, 1910 – HAMBURG, 1 AUGUST, 1985)

 

 

 

 

Erich Röhn was a distinguished German violinist, orchestral concertmaster, and teacher, best known for his work with the Berlin Philharmonic under Wilhelm Furtwängler. Born on 16 April 1910 in Groß Leuthen, Germany, he began studying the violin as a child with Else Mendel-Oberüber and later continued his musical education in Berlin with Gustav Havemann and Ria Schmitz-Gohr.

Röhn gained early orchestral experience with the Kroll Opera Orchestra in Berlin and subsequently served as concertmaster of the Deutschlandsender Orchestra. In 1934, he became concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, a position he held until 1944. During this period, he also appeared as a soloist, performing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61, with the orchestra under Furtwängler in January 1944. This performance, associated with the final concert series at the old Berlin Philharmonie before its destruction during the Second World War, survives in historical recordings.

In 1945, Röhn became concertmaster of the newly established NDR Symphony Orchestra in Hamburg, working under its founding conductor, Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt. He remained in the position until 1974, contributing to the development of the orchestra during its formative decades. Alongside his orchestral career, he was active as a soloist and chamber musician. In 1945, he founded the Hansen Trio with pianist Conrad Hansen and cellist Arthur Troester. The ensemble performed for more than three decades, exploring a broad repertoire of piano trios.

Röhn also taught at the Hamburg University of Music and Theatre, where he led a master class. His playing can be heard in historical recordings of works by Beethoven, Max Bruch, Antonio Vivaldi, and Franz Schubert, preserving the artistry of a violinist admired for his refined musicianship and distinguished orchestral career. He died in Hamburg on 1 August 1985, aged 75. His musical legacy continued through his son, violinist Andreas Röhn, and his grandchildren, violinists Daniel and Anja Röhn.

 

 

TRACKLIST

 

 

Beethoven – Erich Röhn, Orchestre Philharmonique De Berlin, Wilhelm Furtwängler – Concerto Pour Violon En Op. 61

Label: Societe Wilhelm Furtwangler – SWF 7901

Format: Vinyl, LP

Country: France

Released: 1979

Genre: Classical

Style: Romantic

Concerto Pour Violon En Ré Majeur Op. 61

A Allegro Ma Non Troppo

B1 Larghetto

B2 Rondo-Allegro

Composed By – Beethoven

Conductor – Wilhelm Furtwängler

Orchestra – Orchestre Philharmonique de Berlin

Violin – Erich Röhn

Originally recorded 9-12 Jan 1944

Made in France

Matrix / Runout (Label side A): xPartx 86.900

Matrix / Runout (Label side B): xPartx 86.901

 

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)

Triple Concerto for Violin, Cello and Piano in C Major, Op. 56

I. Allegro

II. Largo

III. Rondo alla polacca

PERFORMERS

Erich Rohn, Violin

Arthur Troester, Cello

Conrad Hansen, Piano

Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra

Hans Müller-Kray, Conductor

 

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)

Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K. 216

I. Allegro

II. Adagio

III. Rondeau: Allegro

Personnel:

Erich Röhn, violin

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (Berliner Philharmoniker)

Hermann Abendroth, conductor