Serkin << SUR kihn >>, Rudolf (1903-1991), was a popular concert pianist. He was famous for his clear, sensitive, and powerful performances of German and Austrian music of the 1700’s and 1800’s. He was known for both his solo work and chamber music performances.
Serkin was born in Eger, Bohemia (now Cheb, the Czech Republic). He studied composition in Vienna with the famous composer Arnold Schoenberg. Early in his career, Serkin frequently performed with the German violinist Adolph Busch and married Busch’s daughter. In 1933, Serkin emigrated to the United States. He taught at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia beginning in 1939, and was director of the institute from 1968 to 1977. He also helped establish the Marlboro School of Music and Marlboro Festival in Vermont. Serkin’s son Peter is a famous concert pianist.
