Walter Naum was a renowned classical music artist who was born on May 15, 1920, in Vienna, Austria. He was the son of a Jewish family, and his father was a successful businessman. Naum showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He received his formal music education at the Vienna Conservatory, where he studied under the tutelage of some of the most prominent music teachers of the time. Naum's talent as a pianist was evident from an early age, and he quickly gained recognition for his exceptional skills. He made his debut performance at the age of 12, playing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. This performance was a huge success, and it marked the beginning of Naum's career as a professional musician. In 1938, Naum's family was forced to flee Austria due to the Nazi occupation. They settled in the United States, where Naum continued his music education at the Juilliard School in New York City. He studied under the guidance of renowned pianist and teacher Rosina Lhévinne, who helped him refine his technique and develop his musical style. Naum's career as a concert pianist took off in the 1940s, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented pianists of his generation. He performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, playing with some of the most prestigious orchestras and conductors of the time. One of Naum's most notable performances was his debut with the New York Philharmonic in 1944. He played Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, and his performance was met with critical acclaim. The New York Times praised Naum's "brilliant technique and sensitive interpretation," and his performance was hailed as one of the highlights of the season. Naum continued to perform with the New York Philharmonic throughout the 1940s and 1950s, and he also played with other major orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He was known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music he played. In addition to his career as a concert pianist, Naum was also a respected teacher and mentor. He taught at the Juilliard School for many years, and his students included some of the most talented young pianists of the time. He was known for his rigorous teaching style and his ability to bring out the best in his students. Naum's career was marked by many notable achievements and awards. In 1952, he won the prestigious Naumburg Award, which is given to outstanding young musicians. He was also a recipient of the Rockefeller Foundation Grant, which allowed him to study and perform in Europe. Naum's recordings were also highly acclaimed, and he recorded extensively throughout his career. His recordings of Beethoven's piano sonatas and concertos are considered some of the best interpretations of these works. Naum continued to perform and teach well into his later years. He passed away on December 27, 1994, at the age of 74. His legacy as a pianist and teacher continues to inspire and influence musicians today.

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