Forums

[glenstar]

One of the greatest classical pianists of all time left us today. Van Cliburn thrilled millions as he brought the arts to the world. I was fortunate enough to have heard him person when I was 19 years old. He performed Rachmaninoff
He was one of the gifted ones that comes along only a few times in history.

[mel bradford]

Thank you for posting, Glen.

"I was old when I was born," he said in May. "I told my parents when I was 5, 'I am going to be a concert pianist. They thought I was crazy. I played in public when I was 4, then made my debut with the Houston Symphony when I was 12, and my debut with the New York Philharmonic, I had just turned 20. I had so much ambition, but first of all I loved the music."

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/02/27 ... rylink=cpy

[glenstar]

Very nice article, Mel. Yes, poliics ae devisive, but great music binds all people.togther. Mr, Cliburn will greatly missed.

[mel bradford]

I tend to agree. When Loren Maazel conducted the NY Phil. in North Korea it did just that. Glad you got to see Cliburn live. A memory for the grandchildren I hope. His International Piano competition held every 4 years in Texas lives on. This years will be one for the ages. It starts at the end of May. On my bucket list is to get to the MET before all hearing ability fades.