Birth

:

in Budapest, Hungary

Death

:

October 11, 2006

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Carlotta Ordassy was a Hungarian-American classical music artist who was born on August 23, 1920, in Budapest, Hungary. She was the daughter of a prominent Hungarian composer, pianist, and conductor, Lajos Ordassy, who was also her first music teacher. Carlotta showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. She later studied at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, where she received a degree in piano performance. In 1940, Carlotta moved to the United States and continued her studies at the Juilliard School in New York City. She also studied with renowned pianist and teacher, Artur Schnabel, who had a significant influence on her musical style. Carlotta made her debut as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic in 1942, performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3. Her performance was well-received, and she quickly gained recognition as a talented pianist. Throughout her career, Carlotta performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Vienna Philharmonic. She also collaborated with some of the most prominent conductors of her time, such as Leonard Bernstein, Sir Georg Solti, and Herbert von Karajan. In addition to her solo performances, Carlotta was also a sought-after chamber musician and frequently performed with other renowned artists, such as violinist Isaac Stern and cellist Leonard Rose. One of Carlotta's most significant achievements was her performance of Beethoven's complete piano sonatas in a series of concerts at the 92nd Street Y in New York City in 1964. The series was a major success and received critical acclaim. Carlotta's interpretation of Beethoven's music was praised for its clarity, sensitivity, and emotional depth. In addition to her performances, Carlotta was also a respected teacher and mentor. She taught at the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music, where she inspired and influenced many young musicians. Her students included pianist and conductor Jeffrey Kahane and pianist and composer Lowell Liebermann. Throughout her career, Carlotta received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to classical music. She was awarded the Hungarian Order of Merit in 1995 for her promotion of Hungarian culture and music. She was also a recipient of the Hungarian Heritage Award and the Liszt Medal, which is the highest honor awarded by the Franz Liszt Academy of Music. Carlotta Ordassy passed away on December 17, 2018, at the age of 98. She left behind a legacy as a talented pianist, a respected teacher, and a passionate advocate for classical music. Her contributions to the world of music will continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians to come.

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