Peter Schidlof

Peter Schidlof was an Austrian Jewish refugee who became a highly regarded violist. During World War II, while interned, he met fellow musicians Norbert Brainin and Siegmund Nissel. With the addition of cellist Martin Lovett, they formed the Brainin Quartet, which later became known as the Amadeus Quartet in 1948. Schidlof, who initially played the violin, switched to the viola for the quartet. The Amadeus Quartet achieved international acclaim for its sophisticated style and sensitive interpretations, making numerous recordings of classical and 20th-century composers. The ensemble disbanded in 1987 following Schidlof's death.