Country

:

Poland

Birth

:

February 8, 1906 in Warsaw, Poland

Death

:

September 1, 1994 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Artur Balsam was a renowned classical pianist and chamber musician who was born on February 8, 1906, in Lodz, Poland. He was the youngest of four children born to a Jewish family. His father was a textile merchant, and his mother was a pianist who gave him his first piano lessons. Balsam showed an early aptitude for music, and by the age of 10, he was already performing in public. He studied at the Lodz Conservatory and later at the Warsaw Conservatory, where he was a student of Józef Turczyński. In 1924, he won the first prize in the National Piano Competition in Warsaw, which launched his career as a concert pianist. In 1929, Balsam moved to Berlin, where he continued his studies with Artur Schnabel. He also began performing extensively throughout Europe, including in London, Paris, and Vienna. In 1933, he made his American debut at the Town Hall in New York City, which was followed by a successful tour of the United States. During World War II, Balsam fled Europe and settled in the United States. He became a naturalized citizen in 1944. In the United States, he continued his career as a concert pianist and also became a sought-after chamber musician. He performed with many of the leading musicians of his time, including violinist Isaac Stern, cellist Pablo Casals, and pianist Rudolf Serkin. Balsam was known for his interpretations of the works of Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert. He was also a champion of contemporary music and premiered works by many composers, including Aaron Copland, Paul Hindemith, and Igor Stravinsky. In addition to his performing career, Balsam was also a respected teacher. He taught at the Mannes School of Music in New York City and later at the Juilliard School. His students included pianists Murray Perahia, Richard Goode, and Emanuel Ax. Balsam received many honors and awards throughout his career. In 1958, he was awarded the Harriet Cohen International Music Award for his contributions to chamber music. In 1974, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his contributions to German music. He was also a recipient of the Polish Order of Merit and the French Legion of Honor. Balsam continued to perform and teach until his death on September 1, 1994, in New York City. He was 88 years old. His legacy as a pianist and chamber musician continues to inspire musicians around the world.

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