Rudolf Serkin

Rudolf Serkin, born in Eger, Austria-Hungary (now Cheb, Czech Republic) in 1903, was a Bohemian-born American pianist celebrated for his profound interpretations of the Austro-German keyboard repertoire. Serkin's career spanned decades, during which he became renowned for his powerful and direct performances, particularly of the works by J.S. Bach, W.A. Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, and Johannes Brahms. He made a significant impact on classical music not only as a performer but also as an educator and mentor. In 1939, Serkin became an American citizen and settled in Philadelphia, where he served as the head of the piano department at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music. Additionally, he co-founded and served as the artistic director of Marlboro Music, an organization that has nurtured generations of exceptional young musicians. Serkin's legacy endures through his influential recordings and his enduring impact on the world of classical music.