I am very sorry to report that Menahem Pressler died today at 1.15, eight months short of his centenary.
Menahem was pianist of the Beaux Arts Trio for 53 years, its entire existence.
After he dissolved the trio he became a concert soloist, making his debut with the Berlin Philharmonic at the age of 90.
His piano studio at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University was oversubscribed. He was also a coach to many professional ensembles, such as the Emerson Quartet.
Born in Magdeburg, Germany, he was fortunate to escape with his parents to Palestine in July 1939. Most of his wider family were murdered.
He was one of the sweetest men I have ever met, a quality tempered with rigour in his performances.
We shall miss him forever.
