Birth

:

October 27, 1952 in Tunis, Tunisia

Death

:

June 23, 2012 in Paris, France

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Brigitte Engerer was a French classical pianist who was born on October 27, 1952, in Tunis, Tunisia. Her parents were both French, and her father was a diplomat. Engerer grew up in various countries, including Morocco, Lebanon, and France. She began playing the piano at the age of five and showed exceptional talent from an early age. Engerer studied at the Paris Conservatory with Lucette Descaves and won first prize in piano at the age of 16. She continued her studies with Wilhelm Kempff in Germany and then with Murray Perahia in the United States. Engerer's career took off in the 1970s when she won several international competitions, including the Robert Schumann Competition in Zwickau, Germany, and the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. Engerer's performances were known for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. She was particularly renowned for her interpretations of Chopin, Schumann, and Rachmaninoff. Engerer was also a champion of contemporary music and premiered works by composers such as Olivier Messiaen and Henri Dutilleux. Engerer performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. She also collaborated with renowned conductors such as Claudio Abbado, Daniel Barenboim, and Zubin Mehta. One of Engerer's most memorable performances was her 1983 recital at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. The concert was broadcast live on French television and was a critical and commercial success. Engerer's performance of Chopin's Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor was particularly praised for its sensitivity and lyricism. Engerer received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1980, she was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for her recording of Chopin's 24 Preludes. She was also made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in 2000 and a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2009. Engerer was a dedicated teacher and taught at the Paris Conservatory from 1991 until her death. She also gave masterclasses around the world and was known for her generosity and warmth with her students. Tragically, Engerer's career was cut short when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. She continued to perform and teach despite her illness, but she passed away on June 23, 2012, at the age of 59. Brigitte Engerer was a brilliant pianist who left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. Her technical mastery and emotional depth made her one of the most beloved performers of her generation. Her legacy lives on through her recordings, her students, and the countless people who were moved by her music.

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