Posted on 02/27/2013 10:08:37 AM PST by 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.
(Excerpt) Read more at news-journal.com ...
I had a number of his recordings on 33-1/3 records when I was much younger, and I heard him play live at concerts several times. Now I learn that he is just 78. I would have thought he was quite a bit older. He certainly seemed authoritative back then.
Van Cliburn was the absolute cat’s meow, set the world afire in the late 50’s and 60’s. It wasn’t just that he was a great pianist, he did it, in Moscow in their face, at a time when the USSR had just launched Sputnik and the US wanted a “boost”.
His talent was inspirational. My folks loved Van Cliburn and started me on piano lessons as soon as they could afford it. Alas, to no avail. I didn’t have a talent for it really. His artistry will be missed.
R.I.P. Van Cliburn.
Tchaikovsky piano concerto number six played by VanCliburn is perfect music
Talented guy. RIP.
Oh yes! He was my teen idol after winning the Tchaikovsky Competition. Saw him in concert first when I was in junior high, then in high school, I actually met him. What a thrill! Had all his albums (33 1/3) and listened to him constantly. He will be missed.
Van Cliburn performing his own arrangement of “Moscow Nights” as an encore in 1958 during the Tchaikowsky Competition:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1vZWJT-XGw
ping
***Cliburn skyrocketed to fame when he won the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow at age 23 in 1958,****
I read that Cliburn played so well the judges were upset that a Russian did not win. Rather than give Cliburn the award they woke up Nikita Khrushchev who told them to give it to Cliburn because his rendition was the best.
God rest his most talented soul!
Rest in peace Van Cliburn.
How fortuante of you to have that experience.
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YOu are right, my lousy memory loses again!
RIP Van Cliburn.
Lord, receive his soul.
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