Pianist Van Cliburn Dead at Age 78
World-renowned pianist Van Cliburn, who was diagnosed with advanced bone cancer in August, died today at the age of 78.
Van Cliburn's Legacy Lives on in Piano Competition
Van Cliburn's musical genius will continue to inspire future generations of classical pianists in the competition named after the Texan, the Cliburn International Piano Competition.
Editor's Note: Memorial organizers have asked the media to refer to Thomas L. Smith only as Van Cliburn's "friend of long standing."
The service for Van Cliburn was filled with beautiful music and beautiful words from those who knew him the best.
"Over these past two decades, God blessed me by having the privilege of knowing the kindest, most humble and extraordinary, brilliant man," said Thomas L. Smith, Van Cliburn's friend of long standing. "Those years were filled with great joy."
"Van's death is a crater-sized void that is felt around the world, but for me it is the loss of my soul mate, the deepest friendship," Smith said.
Nearly 1400 people packed the Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth to hear music from the Fort Worth symphony and tributes from dignitaries. Van Cliburn died Wednesday at the age of 78. He was diagnosed with advanced bone cancer in August.
The Kilgore, Texas native is best remembered for winning the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow in 1958, at the height of the Cold War.
For years, Van Cliburn played the piano and won over so many with his music. Today, the music was for him.. and so were the heartfelt words and praise.
"He was gracious and humble, beloved even by the enemy," said former President George W. Bush.
Van Cliburn played for every President since Harry Truman.
"I know that I was blessed to have befriended this remarkable man and I know Van did his part to spread peace and love," President Bush said.
The president also spoke about Cliburn's achievement in Russia.
"The definition of a diplomat is a person with a temperament marked by tact in dealing with sensitive matters," President Bush said. "Nothing was more sensitive than two superpowers armed with thousands of warheads aimed at each other. Nobody was more tactful than Van Cliburn."
That though was echoed by many.
"In his world, making music wasn't just something he did at the piano, it was something he did to the world around him," Texas Governor Rick Perry said.
"I think the thing that horrified Van the most was envy, made so much sense because in a way, envy is an antonym of generosity, and no one ever showed more generosity than Van," said Sid Bass.
Jose Feghali won the gold medal in Van Cliburn's 7th competition. He remembers knowing about the legendary pianist from a young age.
"My earliest memories of Van were through his playing because my mother had several of his recordings," said Feghali.
As emotional and heartfelt as his tribute was, President George W. Bush was able to sneak in a light joke, when remembering a fond memory.
"On April 11 1994, Van Cliburn helped open the Ballpark in Arlington by playing the Star Spangled Banner" with a smile, President Bush added, "few remember that the home team lost to Milwaukee 4-3."
Among those in the pews were former Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief.
"Van was a good friend of Rosie's and mine," said Moncrief. "And while many knew him as an outstanding world renowned concert pianist, to us he was just 'Van'."
"He was such a giving, kind, compassionate individual that we will miss a great deal," said Moncrief.
NBC 5 Entertainment Reporter Bobbie Wygant interviewed Van Cliburn.
"I wanted to come for, out of respect and love for Van and also I knew that it would be a memorable service," said Wygant.
"I don't see anybody who will fill the void, completely, because he was the total package."
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
President Bush And Others Honor Van Cliburn
Dengan url
http://setanlawak.blogspot.com/2013/03/president-bush-and-others-honor-van.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
President Bush And Others Honor Van Cliburn
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
President Bush And Others Honor Van Cliburn
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar