Kurt-Hans Goedicke obit

Obituary: Kurt-Hans Goedicke, 1935-2025

The LSO is saddened to hear of the passing of Kurt-Hans Goedicke, former Principal Timpani.  

He was not on the list.

Kurt-Hans was born and educated in Berlin, Germany, where he studied music at the Universitat der Kunste graduating with Honours. Following graduation he left Germany and took up the position of Principal Timpanist with the RTÉ Symphony Orchestra in Dublin.

In 1964 he moved to London when he was offered the position of Principal Timpani with the LSO. He remained with the Orchestra for 36 years, working with many of the world’s greatest conductors and composers including István Kertész, André Previn, Claudio Abbado, Sir Colin Davis, Pierre Boulez and Leonard Bernstein.

He served on the LSO’s Board of Directors for many years, including taking on the demanding role of Vice-Chairman from 1977 to 1983 during which time the Orchestra took up its residency in the Barbican.

Kurt-Hans was a passionate educator and during his time in London was Professor for Timpani at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and was Head of Timpani and Percussion at the Royal Academy of Music. He held masterclasses all over the world.

In 2004, he moved to Scotland taking up the position of Distinguished Fellow in Timpani & Percussion and Head of Department at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Aged 88, he retired in September 2023.

We send our condolences to his many friends and colleagues.

He gave masterclasses in Tokyo, Berlin, New York, and the UK. In 2008/09, Goedicke served as a tutor and coach to members of the European Union Youth Orchestra.

Our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

"Kurt-Hans Goedicke was a towering figure in the world of orchestral percussion, inspiring generations of students and colleagues," said Professor Aaron Schorr, Director of Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

"Personally, I still vividly recall his performances with the London Symphony in the 1980’s, where I was invariably transfixed by his overwhelming musical presence, mesmeric musical rigor, exactitude and power. He was a timpanist for the ages, working with some of the greatest artists of our time, including Pierre Boulez and Leonard Bernstein, while also providing a foundational presence in the iconic film scores of Star Wars and Indiana Jones."

"He will be profoundly missed, but his legacy and impact on the profession are beyond doubt. The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland will dedicate the Percussion Department concert on 1 December to his memory."