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Romantic

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Elfrun Gabriel was a renowned classical music artist who was born on August 12, 1932, in Berlin, Germany. She was the daughter of a German father and a Hungarian mother. Her father was a music teacher, and her mother was a pianist. Elfrun grew up in a musical family, and her parents encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Elfrun started playing the piano at the age of four, and by the time she was six, she was already performing in public. She studied at the Berlin Conservatory, where she received a solid foundation in music theory and performance. She also studied with some of the most renowned pianists of the time, including Wilhelm Kempff and Edwin Fischer. In 1952, Elfrun won the first prize at the International Piano Competition in Geneva, Switzerland. This was a major achievement for her, and it opened up many doors for her career. She went on to perform in some of the most prestigious concert halls in Europe, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna State Opera, and the Royal Albert Hall in London. Elfrun was known for her exceptional technique and her ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music she played. She was particularly renowned for her interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert. Her performances were always highly praised by critics and audiences alike. In 1960, Elfrun moved to the United States, where she continued to perform and teach. She became a professor of piano at the Juilliard School in New York City, where she taught for over 30 years. She also gave masterclasses and workshops around the world, sharing her knowledge and expertise with aspiring pianists. Throughout her career, Elfrun received many awards and honors for her contributions to classical music. In 1972, she was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a citizen of Germany. She was also awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary in 1992, in recognition of her contributions to Hungarian culture. Elfrun continued to perform and teach until her death on January 22, 2017, at the age of 84. She left behind a legacy of exceptional performances and a commitment to excellence in music education. Her contributions to classical music will continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians to come.

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