Felix Kroll was a renowned classical music artist who made a significant contribution to the world of music. He was born on January 15, 1928, in Berlin, Germany. Kroll's parents were both musicians, and they encouraged him to pursue music from a young age. He began playing the piano at the age of five and showed exceptional talent. Kroll's family fled Germany in 1933 due to the rise of the Nazi regime. They settled in the United States, where Kroll continued his music education. He studied at the Juilliard School in New York City and later at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Kroll's teachers included renowned pianists such as Rudolf Serkin and Mieczysław Horszowski. Kroll made his debut as a soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1947, at the age of 19. He quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent and was invited to perform with many other orchestras across the United States. Kroll's performances were praised for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. In 1951, Kroll won the prestigious Naumburg International Piano Competition, which helped to launch his career. He went on to perform in major concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Kroll was known for his interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert. He was particularly admired for his performances of Beethoven's piano sonatas, which he recorded for the Vox label in the 1950s. Kroll's recordings of these works are still considered to be some of the best available. In addition to his solo performances, Kroll was also a sought-after chamber musician. He frequently collaborated with other musicians, including violinist Isaac Stern and cellist Leonard Rose. Kroll was a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and performed with them for many years. Kroll was also a dedicated teacher. He taught at the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music, where he mentored many young pianists. Kroll was known for his rigorous teaching style and his ability to bring out the best in his students. Throughout his career, Kroll received many awards and honors. In addition to the Naumburg International Piano Competition, he won the Leventritt Competition in 1953 and the Harriet Cohen International Music Award in 1954. Kroll was also awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1988 for his contributions to German culture. Kroll continued to perform and teach until his death in 2017 at the age of 89. He left behind a legacy of exceptional performances and a dedication to the art of music. Kroll's recordings and performances continue to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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