Heike Matthiesen, the German classical guitarist, passed away last Friday (December 22) following a battle with cancer. She was 59.
Born into a musical family, Matthiesen began studying the piano at the age of 4, and switched to the guitar at 18. After only one year of study, she entered Frankfurt College of Music and Dramatic Arts. Later, she became a masterclass student of Pepe Romero. Matthiesen went on to an international solo career. She was a passionate champion of the music of female composers.
The Armenian-born, French guitarist-composer Lilith Guegamian wrote the atmospheric Dans le souffle du temps for Matthiesen in 2021:
This piece, simply titled Serenade, is by the Soviet-Russian composer, Sofia Gubaidulina:
The ballad, The White Queen, by the Russian guitarist, Victor Kozlov, was dedicated to Heike Matthiesen:
In our loud chaotic world there is a strong need for calmness and awareness of the presence (also for silence) and what else can bring that better to the people than the fragile sound of a guitar?
-Heike Matthiesen
Recordings
- Heike Matthiesen’s complete discography
What a remarkable musician. RIP and condolences to her family.