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.

[mnehring]

My mom lived next door to Van Cliburn when she was a child and has a lot of stories about him. Said he was an extremely pleasant, warm guy.

[llevrok]

In my mind, an iconic image of the late 50's/early 60's

[Cicero]

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.

[Attention Surplus Disorder]

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”.

[MWestMom]

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.

[Sans-Culotte]

I've always heard Van Cliburn was a perfect gentleman. I'll always remember him as an early Cold War American hero. I still enjoy some of those RCA Living Stereo recordings he did from the late 50's/early 60's.

R.I.P. Van Cliburn.

[Chickensoup]

Tchaikovsky piano concerto number six played by VanCliburn is perfect music

[fieldmarshaldj]

Talented guy. RIP.

[MomofMarine]

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.

[Deo volente]

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

[spel_grammer_an_punct_polise]

ping

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***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.

[luvie]

God rest his most talented soul!

[Liberty Valance]

Rest in peace Van Cliburn.

[Chickensoup]

How fortuante of you to have that experience.

[EveningStar]

ping

[Publius]

There are only 2 complete piano concertos by Tchaikovsky, and one incomplete one. Cliburn made his mark with #1.

Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto #1 in B-flat minor (Cliburn's 1958 recording with Kondrashin conducting a pickup orchestra of New York musicians)

[sitetest]

Dear EveningStar,

Thanks for the ping.

Classical Music Ping List ping.

If you’d like on or off this list, let me know via FR e-mail.

Thanks,

sitetest

[Chickensoup]

YOu are right, my lousy memory loses again!

[onedoug]

RIP Van Cliburn.

Lord, receive his soul.