The first time that Tomoko was completely impressed with a performance
was due to Rudolf Serkin.
Serkin was born on March 28, 1903, in Eger, Bohemia. He read music
before he could read words, thanks to his singer father. Rudolf started his
professional study at the age of nine, in Vienna, and debuted publicly there just
three years later. Rudolf studied composition with Arnold Schoenberg starting
in 1918, and began his professional concert career with violinist Adolf Busch’s
ensemble in 1920.
In 1936 Serkin performed to great aplomb with the New York Philharmonic
and Arturo Toscanini, and three years later Serkin and Busch’s family immigrated
permanently to the United States. Serkin taught piano at Philadelphia’s Curtis
Institute of Music, and became the institute’s director. Adolf and Serkin also
started the Marlboro (Vermont) Music School and Festival to promote chamber music
in the U.S. Serkin was also known for his interpretation of Beethoven. Because of
his work, including memorable recordings, Serkin received the Presidential
Medal of Freedom in 1963.
Serkin impressed Tomoko too. He came to Japan in the 1950s. Tomoko
attended one of his concerts, able to pay for one of the cheapest seats. Tomoko
listen to Schubert’s Opus 15 Wanderer Fantasy, and tears came to her eyes. “It was the most gorgeous feeling in the whole
world,” Tomoko remembers. “Tears are the
most valuable and authentic emotion.” Tomoko thought, “This is what an artist
is supposed to do,” Tomoko shares her experience with her students. “His
performance was perfect; beyond works, beyond the technical.” That’s what
Tomoko wants for her students and herself.
Serkin’s inspiration continues.
