Role

:

Conductor  

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Tasso Janopoulo was a Greek-American pianist and composer who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on January 1, 1909, in Athens, Greece, to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Janopoulo showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Janopoulo's family moved to the United States when he was six years old, and he continued his music education in New York City. He studied piano with Alexander Lambert and composition with Rubin Goldmark at the Juilliard School. He also studied with Nadia Boulanger in Paris, France, where he was exposed to the works of Stravinsky, Ravel, and Debussy. Janopoulo made his debut as a pianist in 1928 at the Aeolian Hall in New York City. He quickly gained recognition for his virtuosic playing and his ability to interpret complex works. He performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, playing with major orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Janopoulo was also a prolific composer, writing works for piano, orchestra, and chamber ensembles. His compositions were influenced by his Greek heritage and his love of jazz. He often incorporated elements of Greek folk music into his works, creating a unique blend of classical and traditional styles. One of Janopoulo's most significant achievements was his performance of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73, also known as the "Emperor" concerto. He performed the work with the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Arturo Toscanini in 1936. The performance was widely praised, and Janopoulo was hailed as a rising star in the classical music world. Janopoulo continued to perform and compose throughout his career, earning numerous awards and accolades. He was awarded the Prix de Rome in 1932, the Guggenheim Fellowship in 1940, and the National Institute of Arts and Letters Award in 1950. He also served as the director of the music department at Sarah Lawrence College from 1946 to 1951. Janopoulo's legacy continues to influence the world of classical music today. His compositions are still performed and recorded, and his innovative approach to blending traditional and modern styles has inspired countless musicians. He died on December 11, 1988, in New York City, leaving behind a rich legacy of music and artistry.

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