Comments on: Tribute to the Memory of Rudolf Firkušný (February 11, 1912-July 19, 1994)

By: Philip Jongeneel

Philip Jongeneel — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:27:25 +0000

As a toddler, I was allowed to listen in when Rudolf Firkušný practiced for hours on my family’s piano. I am convinced that this experience of his wonderful music deeply influenced my love of classical music.
Thank you Maestro.

By: Signe Myhren

Signe Myhren — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:15:43 +0000

I had the great pleasure of meeting Rudolf Firkusny in the early 1980′s. I was a young mezzo-soprano who had just begun learning to speak Czech, and Firkusny was one of the first Czechs I ever met. He was delighted that I (an American of Norwegian and Scottish descent) was learning the Czech language, and was kind enough to have put me in touch with a person in NYC who was able to recommend Czech vocal music for my voice. I met him many times soon after, because I lived near the old Vasata Czech restaurant, which he frequented. The best adjective I can find to describe both the playing and the person of Rudolf Firkusny is elegant. I still enjoy listening to his recordings – especially the dances of Smetana (which were on the first LP of his that I owned.)

By: Richard Pohl

Richard Pohl — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:56:41 +0000

The true national hero and a legitimate heir of the legacy of Leos Janacek… we are so proud to celebrate his centenial in April year at our Janacek Academy of Music in Brno.