Charles Wilder Puls was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music. He was born on December 12, 1923, in New York City, to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Puls grew up in a musical environment, and his parents encouraged him to pursue music from a young age. Puls began his musical training at the age of six, studying the piano with his mother. He showed exceptional talent and was soon enrolled in the Juilliard School of Music, where he studied under the tutelage of renowned pianist Rosina Lhévinne. Puls was a dedicated student and spent long hours practicing the piano. He also studied music theory, composition, and conducting, which helped him develop a well-rounded understanding of music. Puls made his debut as a solo pianist at the age of 16, performing with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. The performance was a huge success, and Puls received critical acclaim for his virtuosity and musicality. He continued to perform as a soloist with various orchestras and ensembles, establishing himself as one of the most promising young pianists of his generation. In 1942, Puls was drafted into the US Army and served in World War II. He was stationed in Europe and performed for the troops, entertaining them with his music. After the war, Puls returned to the United States and resumed his musical career. He continued to perform as a soloist and also began teaching at the Juilliard School of Music. Puls's career reached new heights in the 1950s and 1960s, when he performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He also made several recordings, which were highly acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. Puls's repertoire was vast, and he was equally comfortable performing works by classical composers such as Mozart and Beethoven, as well as contemporary composers such as Stravinsky and Bartók. In addition to his performances as a soloist, Puls was also a sought-after chamber musician. He performed with some of the world's leading chamber ensembles, including the Juilliard String Quartet and the Beaux Arts Trio. Puls's collaborations with these ensembles were highly praised for their musicality and sensitivity. Puls received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1958, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Prize, which is considered one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. He was also awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1988, in recognition of his contributions to the arts in the United States. Puls continued to perform and teach until his death in 2001. He was a beloved figure in the world of classical music, and his contributions to the art form were significant. His recordings and performances continue to inspire and influence musicians today, and his legacy lives on through the countless students he taught and mentored over the course of his career.

More....