Liv Glaser was a renowned classical music artist who was born on May 5, 1921, in Oslo, Norway. She was the daughter of a prominent Norwegian composer, conductor, and music critic, Fartein Valen, who was known for his modernist compositions. Liv grew up in a musical family and was exposed to classical music from a young age. Her father's influence played a significant role in shaping her musical career. Liv began her musical training at the age of six, studying the piano with her mother, Eva Nansen. She showed exceptional talent and was soon enrolled in the Oslo Conservatory of Music, where she studied under the tutelage of renowned pianist and composer, Robert Riefling. Liv's talent was evident from the start, and she quickly gained recognition as a prodigy. In 1938, at the age of 17, Liv made her debut as a soloist with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, performing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor. Her performance was met with critical acclaim, and she was hailed as a rising star in the classical music world. This performance marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career for Liv. Liv continued her studies at the Oslo Conservatory of Music, where she received a diploma in piano performance in 1941. She then went on to study in Paris with renowned pianist and pedagogue, Marguerite Long. Liv's time in Paris was a formative period in her career, and she was exposed to a wide range of musical styles and influences. In 1945, Liv returned to Norway and began performing extensively throughout the country. She quickly gained a reputation as one of Norway's leading pianists and was in high demand as a soloist and chamber musician. Liv's repertoire was diverse, and she was equally at home performing classical works by Mozart and Beethoven as she was playing contemporary pieces by her father and other modernist composers. Liv's international career began in the 1950s when she was invited to perform at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland. Her performance was a resounding success, and she was soon invited to perform at other major festivals and concert halls throughout Europe and the United States. Liv's international career took off, and she became one of the most sought-after pianists of her generation. Throughout her career, Liv collaborated with many of the world's leading conductors and orchestras. She performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and many others. Liv's performances were always marked by her technical brilliance, musical sensitivity, and deep emotional expression. Liv's recordings were also highly acclaimed, and she recorded extensively throughout her career. Her recordings of Mozart's piano concertos with the English Chamber Orchestra are considered some of the finest interpretations of these works. Liv's recordings of her father's music also helped to bring his music to a wider audience. Liv's contributions to the classical music world were recognized with numerous awards and honors. She was awarded the King's Medal of Merit in Gold by the Norwegian government in 1971 and was made a Knight of the Order of St. Olav in 1981. Liv was also awarded the prestigious Grieg Prize in 1991 for her contributions to Norwegian music. Liv continued to perform and record well into her 80s, and her passion for music never waned. She remained a beloved figure in the classical music world until her death on December 23, 1996, at the age of 75.

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