Ernst Simon Glaser was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music. He was born on August 12, 1921, in Berlin, Germany, to a family of musicians. His father, Max Glaser, was a well-known violinist, and his mother, Clara Glaser, was a pianist. Ernst Simon Glaser showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Glaser's family moved to Switzerland in 1933, where he continued his music education. He studied piano with Walter Frey and composition with Paul Müller-Zürich at the Zurich Conservatory. In 1939, Glaser moved to the United States and continued his studies at the Juilliard School in New York City. He studied piano with Josef Lhévinne and composition with Bernard Wagenaar. Glaser's career as a pianist began in the 1940s when he performed with the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Artur Rodzinski. He also performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Glaser was known for his virtuosic performances and his ability to interpret a wide range of musical styles. In addition to his career as a pianist, Glaser was also a composer. He wrote music for solo piano, chamber ensembles, and orchestra. His compositions were influenced by his love of jazz and his interest in the music of other cultures. Glaser's music was performed by many prominent musicians, including the pianist Vladimir Horowitz. One of Glaser's most significant achievements was his performance of Bach's Goldberg Variations in 1955. The performance was broadcast live on television and was seen by millions of people. Glaser's interpretation of the piece was praised for its clarity and precision. Glaser was also a dedicated teacher. He taught at the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the University of Michigan. His students included the pianist Emanuel Ax and the composer William Bolcom. Glaser received many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1951, he won the Naumburg Award for piano performance. In 1960, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship for composition. He was also a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Composer's Grant. Glaser continued to perform and compose music throughout his life. He died on December 25, 1995, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His legacy lives on through his recordings, compositions, and the many musicians he taught and inspired.

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