Solomon (actually, Solomon Cutner)
Solomon (actually, Solomon Cutner)
Solomon (actually, Solomon Cutner), outstanding English pianist; b. London, Aug. 9, 1902; d. there, Feb. 2, 1988. He studied with Mathilde Verne, making a sensational debut as a child prodigy as soloist in Tchaikovsky’s first Piano Concerto in London (June 30, 1911); later studied in Paris with Lévy and Dupré, and then resumed his career in 1923, adopting his first name for his concert engagements. In 1926 he made his U.S. debut, and in subsequent years toured all over the world as a soloist with orchs., recitalist, and chamber music artist. His remarkable career was cut short at the height of his interpretative powers when he was stricken by an incapacitating illness in 1955. In 1946 he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. His performances of the classics were particularly esteemed; he eschewed virtuosity for its own sake, opting instead for intellectually insightful and unmannered interpretations of the highest order.
—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire