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Irene Jessner was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music. Born on August 22, 1894, in Vienna, Austria, Irene was the daughter of a prominent physician, Dr. Max Jessner, and his wife, Helene. Her family was well-educated and cultured, and they encouraged her to pursue her passion for music from a young age. Irene began her musical training at the age of six, studying piano with her mother, who was a talented pianist. She showed exceptional talent and dedication, and by the age of ten, she was already performing in public concerts. Her parents recognized her potential and decided to enroll her in the Vienna Conservatory, where she studied piano, composition, and music theory. During her time at the conservatory, Irene received rigorous training and developed her skills as a pianist. She also had the opportunity to study with some of the most renowned musicians of the time, including Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern. These experiences had a profound impact on her musical style and approach, and she became known for her innovative and expressive interpretations of classical music. After completing her studies at the conservatory, Irene embarked on a successful career as a concert pianist. She performed extensively throughout Europe, earning critical acclaim for her virtuosity and musicality. She also became known for her collaborations with other musicians, including violinist Bronislaw Huberman and cellist Pablo Casals. One of the highlights of Irene's career was her performance at the Salzburg Festival in 1926. She was invited to perform as a soloist with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and her performance of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 was met with enthusiastic applause. This performance helped to establish her as one of the leading pianists of her generation. In addition to her performances as a soloist, Irene was also a dedicated chamber musician. She formed a trio with violinist Max Rostal and cellist Gaspar Cassado, and together they performed and recorded some of the most beloved works of the chamber music repertoire. Their recordings of the Beethoven and Brahms trios are still considered to be some of the finest interpretations of these works. Throughout her career, Irene received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the world of music. In 1933, she was awarded the prestigious Beethoven Medal by the city of Vienna in recognition of her outstanding performances of Beethoven's music. She was also awarded the Grand Cross of Merit by the German government in 1955 for her contributions to German culture. Despite her success as a musician, Irene's life was not without its challenges. She was forced to flee Austria in 1938 due to the rise of the Nazi regime, and she spent several years living in exile in England and the United States. During this time, she continued to perform and teach, but she also became an advocate for the rights of refugees and worked tirelessly to help others who were fleeing persecution. Irene returned to Europe in 1947 and resumed her career as a concert pianist. She continued to perform and record until her death in 1966, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional musicianship and dedication to the art of classical music. Her recordings and performances continue to inspire and influence musicians today, and she remains one of the most respected and admired pianists of the 20th century.

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