Alice Rath was a renowned classical music artist who made a significant contribution to the world of music. She was born on May 15, 1945, in Vienna, Austria, to a family of musicians. Her father was a violinist, and her mother was a pianist. Alice grew up in a musical environment and started playing the piano at a young age. Alice's talent was evident from an early age, and she received her first piano lessons from her mother. She quickly progressed and started performing in public at the age of six. Alice's parents recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Alice continued her musical education at the Vienna Conservatory, where she studied under the guidance of renowned pianist and teacher, Paul Badura-Skoda. She graduated with honors and went on to study at the Salzburg Mozarteum, where she received a scholarship to study with the legendary pianist, Wilhelm Kempff. Alice's career took off in the 1970s when she won several international piano competitions, including the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1973. Her performance of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major impressed the judges and the audience, and she was awarded the first prize. Alice's success at the Van Cliburn Competition opened doors for her, and she was invited to perform with major orchestras around the world. She made her debut with the New York Philharmonic in 1974, playing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major. Her performance was well-received, and she was praised for her technical skill and musical interpretation. Alice's repertoire was vast, and she was known for her interpretations of the works of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Brahms. She was also a champion of contemporary music and premiered several works by living composers. Alice's performances were not limited to the concert hall. She was a frequent guest on television and radio programs, and her recordings were widely acclaimed. She recorded the complete piano works of Schubert, which was a monumental achievement and earned her critical acclaim. Alice's career spanned several decades, and she continued to perform and record until her retirement in 2005. She received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art in 1995 and the Grand Decoration of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria in 2005. Alice Rath was not only a talented pianist but also a dedicated teacher. She taught at the Vienna Conservatory and the Salzburg Mozarteum, where she inspired and mentored several generations of young musicians. Alice Rath passed away on January 10, 2018, at the age of 72. Her legacy lives on through her recordings and the countless musicians she inspired and influenced. She will always be remembered as one of the greatest pianists of her generation, whose artistry and passion for music touched the hearts of audiences around the world.

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