Walter Blankenheim

He studied at the Musikhochschule Stuttgart (1946–1954) with Jürgen Uhde and Vladimir Horbowski and later in Paris with Marguerite Long. Further studies included courses with Géza Anda and Wilhelm Kempff. He won prizes in a number of competitions, including: Vercelli 1952 (2nd Prize), München – ARD 1952 and 1953 (Diplomas), Paris 1953 (Diploma), Casella 1954 (1st Prize). He was renowned for his interpretations of Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and he toured extensively as a recitalist and concerto soloist for over 50 years, performing in West Europe, Russia, the near and far East, the United States and Latin America. He recorded works from the Baroque to the 20th century with different radio stations, such as Saarland Radio (Saarländischer Rundfunk) in Germany. Some of his recordings (such as the 1996 recording of the Six Partitas BWV 825–830) have been re-released.
Walter Blankenheim had an active teaching career, being a professor of piano at the Hochschule für Musik Saar (Conservatorium of Music in Saarbrücken), while his masterclasses on Bach interpretation took him to a number of countries. He was also frequently invited to be on the jury of piano competitions.