It's okay, there's no need to be alarmed! This is still going to be a British post, regardless of the German title! "Du holde Kunst" is the opening line of Franz von Schrober's poem, An die Musik, and is the inscription on the headstone of Sir Clifford Curzon, CBE - about whom you will learn today...
Clifford Michael Siegenberg was born in London 108 years ago today, on 18th May, 1907. No doubt due to the anti-German sentiments after the outbreak of the First World War, the Siegenberg family changed their name to Curzon on 7th August, 1914.
The young Curzon first played the violin, but at 6 years of age, decided that the piano was more appealing. After entering the Royal Academy of Music at 12, Curzon advanced rapidly, becoming one of the Academy's star pupils. His public debut was at a Promenade Concert in London in 1923, performing a Bach triple concerto under the baton of Sir Henry Wood. Continuing his studies at the Academy, soon began teaching himself, and by the age of 19, was a full Professor!
Known for his interpretations of Schubert, Mozart, and Schumann, Curzon toured extensively in both Europe and the United States. Appointed a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in 1953, he was knighted in 1977.
Sir Clifford Curzon died on 1st September, 1982, and is buried in the Lake District with his wife, the American harpsichordist, Lucille Wallace.
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