Mūza Rubackytė, the pianist, was a leading figure of the Russian piano school, winning the All-Union Competition in St. Petersburg, but was restricted from international travel by the 'iron curtain'.
Composer Biography
Louis Vierne, the composer, was born with cataracts, rendering him functionally blind for his early years, and remained severely visually impaired throughout his life.
Composition History
Vierne's Piano Quintet Op.42 was written to channel his despair and anguish after his eldest son, Jacques, was killed in action during World War I.
Performer Biography
The Terpsycordes Quartet, founded in 1997, has won distinction at many international competitions, including a First Prize in Geneva in 2001.
Composer Biography
Vierne suffered numerous personal tragedies, including the death of his mentor César Franck, a severe leg injury, a near-fatal bout of typhoid, a bitter divorce, and the death of two of his children.
Composition History
Vierne composed the song cycle Spleens et détresses Op.38 while undergoing painful operations in Switzerland, after the onset of glaucoma threatened his remaining eyesight.
