Menahem Pressler, the renowned pianist and chamber musician, passed away on April 30th, 2023, at the age of 99. His death marks the end of an era in classical music, as he leaves behind a legacy that spans over seven decades.
Pressler was born in Magdeburg, Germany, in 1923. His musical studies were interrupted by the rise of Nazism, and his family fled to Israel (then Palestine), in 1939. There, he continued his training with Israel’s top teachers and went on to become one of the most celebrated pianists of his generation.
Pressler was a founding member of the Beaux Arts Trio, which performed together for over five decades and was renowned for its interpretations of classical repertoire. He was also a highly sought-after soloist, performing with major orchestras around the world. His interpretations of Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert were particularly renowned, and he was known for his elegant phrasing and sensitive musicality.
Beyond his performance career, Pressler was a dedicated teacher, having taught at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music for over sixty years.
R.I.P.
