Paul Scholten was a Dutch classical pianist and composer who was born on January 1, 1923, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He was the youngest of three children born to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Scholten showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Scholten's talent was recognized early on, and he began studying at the Amsterdam Conservatory at the age of nine. He studied under some of the most renowned pianists of the time, including Jan Odé, Willem Andriessen, and Ulfert Schults. Scholten's talent and dedication to his craft were evident from the start, and he quickly became one of the most promising young pianists in the Netherlands. In 1940, Scholten made his debut as a soloist with the Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra, performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3. The performance was a resounding success, and Scholten was hailed as a rising star in the classical music world. He continued to perform regularly throughout the Netherlands and Europe, earning critical acclaim for his virtuosic playing and sensitive interpretations of classical works. In addition to his career as a performer, Scholten was also an accomplished composer. He wrote a number of works for piano, including several sonatas and a set of variations on a theme by Mozart. His compositions were well-received by audiences and critics alike, and he was regarded as one of the most promising young composers of his generation. Scholten's career was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. He was forced to flee the Netherlands and spent several years living in hiding in Belgium and France. Despite the difficult circumstances, Scholten continued to practice and perform whenever possible, often playing for fellow refugees and members of the resistance. After the war, Scholten resumed his career as a performer and composer. He continued to perform regularly throughout Europe and the United States, earning a reputation as one of the most talented and versatile pianists of his time. He also continued to compose, writing a number of works for piano, orchestra, and chamber ensembles. Throughout his career, Scholten received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. In 1952, he was awarded the Prix Italia for his composition "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra." He was also awarded the Order of the Netherlands Lion, one of the highest honors in the Netherlands, in recognition of his contributions to Dutch culture. Despite his many accomplishments, Scholten remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He continued to perform and compose well into his later years, and his legacy as one of the greatest classical pianists and composers of the 20th century lives on today.

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