Kilgore's Van Cliburn, American classical pianist, dies at 78

Longview News-Journal ^

[mnehring]

an Cliburn, the internationally celebrated pianist who grew up in Kilgore and whose triumph at a 1958 Moscow competition helped thaw the Cold War and launched a spectacular career that made him the rare classical musician to enjoy rock star status, has died. He was 78.

Cliburn died early Wednesday at his Fort Worth home surrounded by loved ones following a battle with bone cancer, said his publicist and longtime friend Mary Lou Falcone.

Cliburn made what would be his last public appearance in September at the 50th anniversary of the prestigious piano competition named for him. Speaking to the audience in Fort Worth, he saluted the many past contestants, the orchestra and the city.

"Never forget: I love you all from the bottom of my heart, forever," he said to a roaring standing ovation.

Cliburn skyrocketed to fame when he won the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow at age 23 in 1958, six months after the Soviets' launch of Sputnik embarrassed the U.S.

[Chode]

RIP...

[MinuteGal]

I remember at the time thinking how he was the first pianist of note that didn't look like an aging, grey-faced, wrinkle-lined prune. I thought he was so cute....being a young whippersnapper myself.

He's in concert with the harpsichordists now. RIP, maestro.

Leni

[Borges]

He was gay but kept his lifestyle completely to himself. R.I.P.

[left that other site]

RIP to a great artist.