Posted on Mar 18, 2022
At 97, Pianist Ruth Slenczynska has a new album — and plenty of stories
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https://www.npr.org/2022/03/18/ [login to see] /at-97-pianist-ruth-slenczynska-has-a-new-album-and-plenty-of-stories
It's not every day that a 97-year-old releases a new album – but for pianist Ruth Slenczynska, a little thing like age is not about to get in the way. On her new album, My Life in Music, she revisits pieces she's been playing for more than nine decades.
With the advantage of the long view of life, Slenczynska enjoys dispensing sage advice. "You don't become a pianist until you're past the age of 60," she states with blunt certainty. "And then you should have something to say that's worthwhile. If you don't, forget it." Never mind that Slenczynska made her debut as a pianist at age 4.
It's not every day that a 97-year-old releases a new album – but for pianist Ruth Slenczynska, a little thing like age is not about to get in the way. On her new album, My Life in Music, she revisits pieces she's been playing for more than nine decades.
With the advantage of the long view of life, Slenczynska enjoys dispensing sage advice. "You don't become a pianist until you're past the age of 60," she states with blunt certainty. "And then you should have something to say that's worthwhile. If you don't, forget it." Never mind that Slenczynska made her debut as a pianist at age 4.
At 97, Pianist Ruth Slenczynska has a new album — and plenty of stories
Posted from npr.org
Piano
Music
Stories
Posted 2 y ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."As we settle into our video chat, I discover a sharp, smart woman with a hearty chuckle. But Slenczynska's life story hasn't always been so cheerful. A Sacramento native, she was a child prodigy, hailed by critic Olin Downes as the greatest piano genius since Mozart. At 5 years old, Slenczynska gave a farewell recital and left for Europe to study with a who's who of 20th century piano legends, including Artur Schnabel, Alfred Cortot and Sergei Rachmaninov, whom she met for the first time in 1934 after substituting for him in concert.
"I was a frightened little girl at the door of his apartment at the Villa Majestic in Paris," Slenczynska remembers, "and he pointed this long index finger down at me and he said, 'You mean that plays the piano?' " Slenczynska was shaking in fear until Rachmaninov sat her down and showed her a picture of his speed boat, making buzzing noises to imitate the motor. Once calm, she played a showpiece for him, then transposed the key instantly when he requested. She was nine."...
..."As we settle into our video chat, I discover a sharp, smart woman with a hearty chuckle. But Slenczynska's life story hasn't always been so cheerful. A Sacramento native, she was a child prodigy, hailed by critic Olin Downes as the greatest piano genius since Mozart. At 5 years old, Slenczynska gave a farewell recital and left for Europe to study with a who's who of 20th century piano legends, including Artur Schnabel, Alfred Cortot and Sergei Rachmaninov, whom she met for the first time in 1934 after substituting for him in concert.
"I was a frightened little girl at the door of his apartment at the Villa Majestic in Paris," Slenczynska remembers, "and he pointed this long index finger down at me and he said, 'You mean that plays the piano?' " Slenczynska was shaking in fear until Rachmaninov sat her down and showed her a picture of his speed boat, making buzzing noises to imitate the motor. Once calm, she played a showpiece for him, then transposed the key instantly when he requested. She was nine."...
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