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[Sashadroogie]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-21607436

Much beloved in Russia

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2013/feb/27/van-cliburn-russia-world-stage

[johnslat]

Dear Sasha,

I can still easily recall the great excitement here in the States when he won the prize. He became an instant celebrity (unusual for concert pianists, at least in the States.)
Of course, part of it was political - it was at the height of the "Cold War," and so many regarded it as they do the Olympics: Nyaa nyaa, nyaa - our country beat your country.

I was in the Marines not long after, and I posted a big photo (probably from Time, Life or Newsweek) of him in my locker.

May he rest in peace - only eight years older than I.

Regards,
John

[Sashadroogie]

Dear Johnslat

I am reliably informed that he caused about as much excitement here in Moscow when he took first prize at the Tchaikovsky Competition. I am sure you have already heard the story of the panel of judges and their panicked call to Khrushchev - Emil Gilels phoned Nikita to tell him of the problem the judges were having in awarding the prize, mainly because Van Cliburn wasn't a Russian, and they feared retribution for disloyalty. Nikita, never the most artistically aware, simply asked, 'Is he the best? Yes? Then give it to the best.'

Many versions of that story in circulation, but what is certainly true is Van Cliburn caused a real stir and was genuinely loved over here. Also, the Competition's prestige and reputation gained hugely, of course, from that surprisingly even-handed judgement...

[scot47]

I think I may have confused him with Lee van Cleef. This is probably a reflection of my low cultural level.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Van_Cleef

[Dedicated]

You can be forgiven, Scot, as he was the winner in the 1958 Tchaikovsky International competition, when you were probably at primary school !

He was scarcely known in Europe, yet had a ticker-tape parade in Manhattan after his win. Yet though he was a greatly gifted musician, Cliburn's early stardom may have thwarted his musical growth. His concert and recording income skyrocketed, but many critics were only lukewarm about his later attempts to move beyond his youthful repertory.