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Grete Sultan was a German-American pianist who was born on June 25, 1906, in Berlin, Germany. She was the daughter of a wealthy Jewish family and began playing the piano at a young age. Her parents recognized her talent and provided her with the best music education available. She studied with renowned pianists such as Artur Schnabel and Edwin Fischer. Sultan made her debut as a soloist in Berlin in 1928, and her performance was well-received by the audience and critics. She continued to perform in Germany and other European countries, gaining a reputation as a talented and expressive pianist. However, her career was interrupted by the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany. As a Jew, Sultan was forced to flee the country in 1938 and emigrated to the United States. In the United States, Sultan continued to perform and teach. She settled in New York City and became a prominent figure in the city's music scene. She performed in many prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She also collaborated with many renowned musicians, including John Cage, Morton Feldman, and Earle Brown. Sultan was known for her interpretations of contemporary music, particularly the works of the avant-garde composers of the mid-20th century. She was a champion of the music of Cage, Feldman, and Brown, and she premiered many of their works. She was also known for her performances of the music of Arnold Schoenberg, whom she had studied with in Berlin. Sultan's playing was characterized by its clarity, precision, and emotional depth. She was known for her ability to convey the essence of a piece of music, whether it was a complex contemporary work or a classical masterpiece. Her performances were often described as intense and powerful, and she was praised for her ability to connect with her audience. Sultan received many awards and honors throughout her career. In 1966, she was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, one of the country's highest honors. She was also awarded the Goethe Medal in 1981, in recognition of her contributions to German culture. In 1991, she was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of the Arts in Berlin. Sultan continued to perform and teach until her death in 2005, at the age of 99. She had a profound impact on the world of classical music, both as a performer and as a teacher. Her legacy lives on through her recordings, which continue to inspire and move audiences around the world.

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