Worldwide tributes for tragic pianist

The US-French pianist Eugen Indic, who died yesterday of an autoimmune disease, had cult status. A 1970 finalist in the Warsaw Chopin Competition, placing fourth, he was popular more with his peers than with the general concertgoing public.

Here are a few early tributes:

Polish Radio:
It is with sadness that we announce that a great pianist and interpreter of Chopin Eugen Indjič died at the age of 76. Among many successes, the artist also won the 4th prize at the 8th Chopinowski Competition in 1970. He was formed under the eyes of Arthur Rubinstein and Nadia Boulanger.

Alicja Fiderkiewicz
Last December I heard from Odile that Eugene was too unwell to send X mas greetings …so I knew that perhaps there was no cure I hoped for…
I will for ever treasure the moments I listened to his fantastic playing in Warsaw during 1970 Chopin Piano Competition ,then Leeds and of course again in Manchester ! Apart from being a wonderful pianist he was a very kind ,funny and generous man !

Ana Sinkovec
Eugen Indjic’s legacy as a musician, pianist, and professor lives on with his recordings, his magical musicianship, and in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to work with him.
During one of our lesons in Paris, he said that he once sent an organisers of the concerts in Italy his program, and instead of writing the obvious Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise by Chopin, he wrote ‘Andante a la spinacha and Grande Bolognaise’ thinking they will get the joke, but they actually printed that in a program! People were not sure whether they are getting a concert or a dinner!

Dorota Lato
Eugen Indjic – Incredibly painful news. A great man, a great pianist. Not so long ago he entertained us with his jokes in Paris and was full of optimism that he would overcome the disease.
Your music will always be with us

Ruch Muzyczny
He was an excellent pianist, the winner of the IV prize at the Chopinowski Competition in 1970, performed many times in Poland. Eugen Indjic has died aged 76. (MC)