Staier, Andreas

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Staier, Andreas

Staier, Andreas, German fortepianist and harpsichordist; b. Göttingen, Sept. 13, 1955. He studied piano before concentrating his attention on the fortepiano and harpsichord. After training at the Hannover Hochschule für Musik (1974–79), he studied at the Amsterdam Cons. (1980–82). From 1983 to 1986 he was the harpsichordist with Musica Antiqua Köln, with which he traveled throughout Europe, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. From 1986 he pursued a career as a soloist with the leading period instrument ensembles, as a recitalist, and as a chamber music player. He also taught at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Basel from 1987 to 1995. Among the composers he has revealed a special affinity for are J.S. Bach, D. Scarlatti, Haydn, Mozart, and Schubert. He has also played works by composers infrequently heard, among them Steffan, Dussek, and Salieri.

—Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire