‘My teacher had been killed and I was at a loose end’
mainAt 83, the eminent American pianist Jerome Lowenthal, former head of piano at Juilliard and an international concert artist, has seen it all… and then some.
But he nearly opted for an academic career in romance languages after the death of William Kapell.
Jerome talks about his life and career to Zsolt Bognar in the latest episode of Living the Classical Life, distributed exclusively by Slipped Disc.
Sample:
Mister, how do you get to Carnegie Hall? You sign a cheque… It’s a hall for hire.
Watch here:
I love his recording of Tchaikovsky’s works for piano and orchestra. His interpretation of the first piano concerto, in its original version, is thoughtful and deeply musical.
He was my chamber music coach at one summer festival. Splendid musician, wonderful teacher, a gentleman and a scholar. Happy to have the opportunity to say so while he’s still with us!
A thoroughly lovely man. I remember him from three summers spent with him at the Music Academy of the West. His performances of The Age of Anxiety and of Tchaikovsky’s second concerto were memorable, as were the many recitals he gave with many different artists (Zeitlin, Perlman and S. Canin among many others). I also vividly remember the robust way in which gave the A to his playing partners. His comments at master classes and during concerts always had everyone in stitches. Beautiful interview. Just as gentle and wise as I remember him.