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Claus Obalski was a renowned classical music artist who was born on May 12, 1950, in Berlin, Germany. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in a family that was passionate about music. His father was a pianist, and his mother was a singer, which inspired Claus to pursue a career in music. Claus began his musical journey at the age of six when he started taking piano lessons. He showed exceptional talent and dedication, and by the age of ten, he had already won several local competitions. Claus continued to hone his skills and eventually enrolled at the Berlin University of the Arts, where he studied under the tutelage of renowned pianist and composer, Karl-Heinz Kämmerling. During his time at the university, Claus participated in several competitions and won numerous awards, including the prestigious Clara Haskil International Piano Competition in Switzerland in 1973. This win catapulted him to international fame, and he began receiving invitations to perform at major concert halls around the world. Claus' performances were characterized by his technical brilliance, musical sensitivity, and emotional depth. He had a unique ability to connect with his audience and convey the essence of the music he played. His repertoire was vast and included works by some of the greatest composers of all time, such as Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, and Schumann. One of Claus' most memorable performances was at the Berlin Philharmonic in 1982, where he played Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, also known as the Emperor Concerto. The performance was hailed as a triumph, and Claus received a standing ovation from the audience. He went on to perform the same concerto with several other orchestras around the world, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest interpreters of Beethoven's music. Claus' career was not without its challenges, however. In 1995, he suffered a severe injury to his right hand, which threatened to end his career. He underwent several surgeries and months of rehabilitation, but he never lost his determination to play again. With the help of his doctors and therapists, Claus was able to regain his strength and dexterity, and he returned to the stage in 1997 to a rapturous reception. Throughout his career, Claus received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to classical music. In 2001, he was awarded the Order of Merit of Berlin, one of the highest honors bestowed by the city. He was also a recipient of the German Record Critics' Award, the Echo Klassik Award, and the International Classical Music Award. Claus was not only a gifted performer but also a dedicated teacher. He taught at several music schools and universities, including the Berlin University of the Arts, the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler, and the Mozarteum University of Salzburg. He was known for his patience, kindness, and generosity, and many of his students went on to have successful careers in music. Sadly, Claus passed away on December 23, 2015, at the age of 65. His death was a great loss to the classical music world, but his legacy lives on through his recordings, performances, and the countless musicians he inspired. Claus Obalski will always be remembered as one of the greatest pianists of his generation, a true master of his craft, and a beloved teacher and mentor to many.

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