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KATJA ANDY Obituary

ANDY--Katja, dies at 106. Born Kate Aschaffenburg in Cologne, Germany, pianist Katja Andy was a prominent student of the great Edwin Fischer in Berlin. She performed with Fischer on two pianos and traveled through Germany with his chamber orchestra. At the brink of a brilliant career, she escaped from the Nazi regime in 1933. She fled to Paris and subsequently to the United States, where she became an American citizen. In America, she established herself primarily as a teacher, taught at De Paul University in Chicago before moving to Boston, where she joined first the Boston Conservatory, then the New England Conservatory where she received an honorary doctorate in 1987. Katja was loved and respected by her colleagues, family and friends, and many students who remained in touch with her until the end of her life. She was widely admired for her unique and impeccable musicianship. Artists of renown came to play for her to seek her advice. She passed away in New York City on December 30, 2013.

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Published by New York Times on Jan. 19, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for KATJA ANDY

16 Entries

Phillip Silver

January 13, 2024

It is hard to believe that so many years have elapsed since Katja's death. I don't think a day goes by that I don't think of her. She was a profound influence on my development. She is missed.

Marva Griffin Carter

January 13, 2021

It is good to be reminded of this dear soul -- Katja Andy and the remarkable life and career she navigated. Although I studied four years with her at the Boston Conservatory of Music, I never knew her unique story: how she fled Germany and journeyed to the United States, later becoming a citizen. I am amazed that I was so unaware of this courageous and inspiring biography, when I was closeup and personal with her.
She will always be apart of me, my music making, and my music listening. She had a warmth and sensitivity to this magnificent art form that was contagious and everlasting. I shall forever be grateful to her for sharing her love of music with me and so many others.

Marva Griffin Carter

January 13, 2020

Thank you for bringing this anniversary to light in my mind. Ironically, I thought of Miss Andy today as I listened
to the brilliant performance of Alfred Brendel and a Cleveland Quartet (plus one) play the "Trout Quintet" by
Schubert. Brendel is in her orbit of distinguished artists who bring magic to music, as did Miss Andy. Her smile
and survivalism will be forever etched in our memories.

Nicholas Underhill

June 22, 2019

I studied with Katja Andy at the New England Conservatory as a graduate student in 1976 and for a few years after graduating. I was always grateful to her for the respect and kindness she showed me at a time when I needed it.
She had already retired as an active pianist when I met her, but on the rare occasions when she demonstrated, she demonstrated a firm command of the instrument. "I deweloped my hand", she said, holding out a formidable (albeit small) talon that could have belonged to a bird of prey for its strength. She pointed to a row of Bach volumes in a shelf near her piano and said "At one time, I knew them all". And if she said she knew them all, you could belief that she did. She introduced me to a Bach piece nobody else seemed to know, and showed me how the composer had expanded it into a triple concerto by tearing apart the seams, as it were, and inserting more music.
If there was an issue with my playing, she might say "you need to Remedy that", with the repose of an owl.
I was surprised once in a while when she would privately criticize some of her colleagues, suddenly becoming a scrappy Conservatory student, instead of the usual wise old sage.
She traveled after a long day of teaching to attend one of her students' non degree recitals. Her back hurt her as she walked from the car to the hall. Although I walked by her closely, I was unable to prevent her falling on the way.
She continued to the hall and we heard Marek Zebrowski's fine performance. She took all of her students out for dinner at the end of the semester. That's the kind of person she was.
I unfortunately lost touch with her, as we both moved around a lot.
Nicholas Underhill

Marva Griffin Carter

February 6, 2014

Katja Andy was a soft-spoken, gentle soul who humbly modeled and verbally articulated the "secrets" to pianistic performance styles and practices. She was genuine, kind, humorous and dedicated to her art and to the transmission of it in its highest form to her students. She will forever live through the musicmaking and the memories of her students and prodigies. How fortunate we are to have known her; to have studied with her; and to have loved her. May her spirit be felt through the music of the spheres.

Tanya Bartevyan

January 27, 2014

What can one write about such a unique teacher and artist? She was immensely wise, and honest in her guidance without being unkind. Great musical mentor and person of amazing wit. I miss her very much and regret that the opportunity did not present itself to see her in her last ailing years. Her presence will most likely stay with all those whose lives she touched.

guity adjoodani

January 27, 2014

Katja Andy was not only an incredible teacher, but a genuinely kind and nurturing individual who treated her students with love and an incredible dedication to produce the most well-rounded and knowledgeable musician and pianist possible. Those who were fortunate enough to be her students were truly blessed. She will be immensely missed!!

Connie Scanlon

January 25, 2014

A wonderful person, memories of the past 50 years will continue to fill my life and inspire.
Connie

Enid Rothchild

January 24, 2014

I have many fond memories of Miss Andy and her wonderful words of wisdom. She was more than a teacher to many of her students. All her friends and students certainly honored her by staying in contact with her for many years. I was grateful to have met her again at age 103. Though she came to the US alone, her family was always growing. Enid

Janet and. Henk Schurink

January 24, 2014

We got to know katja at the wonderful home of dr.Richard and dr. Editha Sterba in Glastenbury Vt, She was a wonderful person.

January 24, 2014

We got to know katja at the home of Dr, Richard and D, Editha Sterba in Glastenbury Vt, she was a wonderful person We are honored to have known her, Janet and Henk Schurink

January 24, 2014

We got to know Katja at the wonderful home of Dr,Richard and dr Editha Sterba VT, she was a wonderful person, we are honored to have known her, Janet and Henk schurink

Jerri Witt

January 22, 2014

Katja was a beloved teacher, mentor, and friend. After more than 40 years, her influence is still a profound presence in my life. She was a unique and beautiful person.

Phillip Silver

January 22, 2014

Katja was one of those all too rare shining examples of a great artist and a wonderful human being. She was one of the seminal influences on my own development and I value her teaching and her friendship. She will be missed.

tammy schneider

January 21, 2014

Remember Katya fondly from childhood though hadn't seen her for over 30 years. We bonded over shared love of cats. She was an awesome lady

Clarise Snyder

January 20, 2014

Katja was a wonderful mentor, teacher and friend. I will never forget her.

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