Pianist Van Cliburn, I'll Just Say Thank You Now

Tears of sadness are being shed by women and men
all across the globe at the death this week of Mr. Van Cliburn,
who hailed from Texas. One of the twentieth century's
premier pianists, 1958 winner of the International Tchaikowskii
Competition,  he made LPs, CDs, touring the world capitals
of classical music. He went on to create his own International
Van Cliburn Piano Competition, which he hosted in Fort Worth,
Texas, near Dallas.

From concertizing pianists to music media mavens, to Juilliard
students and Interlochen camp attendees, his reputation as a
kind and encouraging master musician was as lengendary
as his pianistry.

Thank you Mr. Cliburn, you made a 13 year old Texan's
passion for serious music that day in 1958 when we heard
you won.

You've won a permanent place in our hearts.