(Walter Friedrich), distinguished German pianist; b. Juterbog, Nov. 25, 1895; d. Positano, Italy, May 23, 1991. He studied piano with his father, also named Wilhelm Kempff. At the age of nine he entered the Berlin Hochschule für Musik, where he studied composition and piano. He also attended the University of Berlin.

Kempff began his concert career in 1916, and, two years later, he made the first of many appearances with the Berlin Philharmonic. From that time he toured throughout Europe, South America, and Japan, featuring improvisation as part of his programs. From 1924 to 1929 he was director of the Stuttgart Hochschule für Musik. From 1957 he gave annual courses in Positano, Italy. He made his London debut in 1951 and his American debut in N.Y. in 1964. He continued to appear in concerts well past his 80th year.

Kempff represented the classic tradition of German pianism. He avoided adding extra ornamentation or effects to his performances of WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART, LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN, FRANZ SCHUBERT, and other masters.