Is Menahem Pressler Living or Dead?

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Is German-born American classical pianist Menahem Pressler dead? Or ... still alive?

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By Andrew Droid Webber

Updated 26 May 2023

Image info

Artist	Unknown photographer
Credit	Family album of Dr. Werner Liebenthal
License	pd
Desc	Photo taken at the Palestine Broadcasting Service studio in Jerusalem, July 1947, after the performance of Piano Concerto (Schumann). Back row: Schoken (Viola), from left: Frenkel (violin), Petruscka (trumpet), Freilich (violin), Liebenthal (percussion), Mirkin (viola), Mense (oboe), Hofmekler (cello), Pressler (piano), Salomon (conductor), Schmuckler (clarinette), von Blaese (flute), Kagan (cello), von Blaese (flute), Behrend (?) (clarinette), Meisels (Bass?), Wagmann(?) (oboe and trumpet), Aron(?) (fagott). Sitting: Edelstein (violin), Grinberg (violin)
Url	https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ea/PresslerSalomon001.jpg
Usage	Public domain
Description_url	https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PresslerSalomon001.jpg

Image info/credit

German-born American classical pianist

Menahem Pressler is ...

Dead

Born	16 December 1923 in Magdeburg
Died	6 May 2023 in London
Age	99 years, 5 months

Sex or gender	male
Country of citizenship	United States of America and Germany
Occupation	classical pianist, academic musician, pianist and musician
Instrument	piano
Awards	Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Gramophone Award for Lifetime Achievement, Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres‎, honorary citizen of Magdeburg, honorary doctor of Ben-Gurion University and Commander of the National Order of Merit
Member of	American Academy of Arts and Sciences and Beaux Arts Trio
Significant event	Aliyah
Educated at	Buchmann-Mehta School of Music

About Menahem Pressler

Menahem Pressler: The Pianist Who Never Stops

Menahem Pressler, born in Magdeburg, Germany in 1923, is one of the most respected and beloved classical pianists of our time. He is best known as the founding member and pianist of the Beaux Arts Trio, which he led for over five decades. However, his career as a soloist and chamber musician spans over 70 years and shows no signs of slowing down.

Pressler's musical journey began at the age of six when he started playing the piano. He studied with some of the greatest pianists of the 20th century, including Edwin Fischer and Artur Schnabel. In 1946, he won first prize at the Debussy International Piano Competition in San Francisco, which launched his career as a soloist.

In 1955, Pressler founded the Beaux Arts Trio with violinist Daniel Guilet and cellist Bernard Greenhouse. The trio quickly gained international acclaim for their impeccable musicianship and innovative programming. They performed together for over 50 years, until their retirement in 2008.

Pressler's solo career has been equally impressive. He has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has also recorded extensively, with over 50 albums to his name.

Despite his age, Pressler shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to perform regularly, both as a soloist and chamber musician. In 2019, he celebrated his 96th birthday with a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall.

Pressler's musical legacy is not only in his performances but also in his teaching. He has taught at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music for over 60 years and has mentored countless young musicians who have gone on to successful careers.

Pressler's dedication to music and his unwavering passion for the piano have made him a true legend in the classical music world. As he once said, "Music is my life, and I cannot imagine living without it."

References:

- "Menahem Pressler." Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University, music.indiana.edu/faculty/current/pressler-menahem.shtml.

- "Menahem Pressler." AllMusic, www.allmusic.com/artist/menahem-pressler-mn0000401166/biography.

- "Menah