1. Overview
Martin Lovett (1927-2020) was an acclaimed English cellist, widely recognized for his four-decade tenure as a foundational member of the Amadeus Quartet. Born in London, he began his musical journey at an early age under the guidance of his cellist father, eventually earning a scholarship to the Royal College of Music. Lovett was the sole English musician in the Amadeus Quartet, an ensemble otherwise composed of Austrian refugees, which achieved international renown and remained together for 40 years, performing and recording extensively until its disbandment in 1987. Following the quartet's conclusion, Lovett continued an active career in chamber music and education. He received several prestigious honors for his contributions to music, including the OBE, and passed away in 2020 at the age of 93 due to complications from COVID-19.
2. Life and career
Martin Lovett's musical career spanned several decades, prominently marked by his foundational role in the Amadeus Quartet and his subsequent contributions to chamber music education and performance.
2.1. Birth and early life
Lovett was born on 3 March 1927 in Stoke Newington, located in north-east London, England. His father, also a cellist, was a professional musician who performed with notable ensembles such as the Hallé Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. At the age of 11, Lovett received his first cello lessons from his father, marking the beginning of his lifelong dedication to music.
2.2. Education
At the age of 15, Lovett's musical talent was recognized when he was awarded a scholarship to study at the prestigious Royal College of Music in London. It was during his studies here that he met Suzanne Rosza, who would later become his first wife. His education at this esteemed institution laid the groundwork for his distinguished career as a cellist.
2.3. Amadeus Quartet activities
Lovett joined the Amadeus Quartet in 1947 when he was 19 years old. The quartet was formed with two violinists, Norbert Brainin and Siegmund Nissel, and violist Peter Schidlof. Notably, Lovett was the only English member of the quartet, while the other three musicians were Austrian refugees who had settled in Britain. The Amadeus Quartet remained together for an impressive 40 years, solidifying its reputation as one of the leading string quartets of its era. During their long and successful collaboration, they produced numerous recordings, including a complete set of Beethoven's string quartets. In 1968, they also recorded Schubert's Quintet "The Trout", D. 667, collaborating with pianist Emil Gilels and double bassist Rainer Zepperitz. The quartet's long and fruitful partnership concluded in 1987 with the death of Peter Schidlof, after which the remaining members decided to disband the ensemble.
2.4. Post-Amadeus Quartet activities
After the Amadeus Quartet disbanded in 1987, Martin Lovett remained highly active in the music world. He was a sought-after performer for various chamber music groups, including the Amadeus Ensemble. Lovett also dedicated himself to music education, conducting chamber music courses across the globe. A significant part of this educational work was the Amadeus Summer Course, an annual event held at the Royal Academy of Music in London. In 1989, he joined the Verdi Quartet to record Schubert's String Quintet, D. 956. Beyond performing and teaching, Lovett also served as a judge in numerous international chamber music competitions, further contributing to the classical music community. He was also a former Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
3. Awards and honors
Throughout his distinguished career, Martin Lovett received several significant awards and honors recognizing his contributions to music. He was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire). His international accolades include the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art.
4. Personal life
Martin Lovett was married twice. His first marriage was to Suzanne Rosza, whom he met during their studies at the Royal College of Music. Their marriage lasted for 55 years. Together, they had two children, Sonia and Peter. Lovett's family grew to include five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Following Suzanne's passing, he later remarried to Dorinde Van Oort, a writer.
5. Death
Martin Lovett died at the age of 93 on 29 April 2020, in North London, England. The news of his passing was first confirmed by his daughter, Sonia, who stated that his death was due to complications arising from COVID-19.
[https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/martin-lovett Artist Martin Lovett at Grammy Awards]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyyNMlZXlCQ Martin Lovett in conversation with Norbert Meyn / Royal College of Music, 2015]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=janWzclZnHM Beethoven, String Quartet No.16, Op.135, 3.mov - Amadeus Quartet - London, 1973]