Jacques Klein facts for kids

Jacques Klein (born July 10, 1930 – died October 24, 1982) was a talented Brazilian composer and pianist. He became famous around the world for his amazing piano playing.

Early Life and Musical Start

Jacques Klein was born in Aracati, Brazil, and grew up in Fortaleza. His father founded the Conservatorio Alberto Nepomuceno, a music school where Jacques began learning piano. He started playing music at a very young age.

In the early 1940s, Jacques moved to Rio de Janeiro. There, he continued his piano studies with Liddy Mignone at the Conservatorio Brasileiro de Musica. Later, in the 1950s, he even started teaching at the same school!

A Teenage Jazz Player

When Jacques was just thirteen, he took a break from classical music. He formed a cool jazz trio with his friends, Dinarte Rodrigues on guitar and Breno Porto on drums. This trio even performed once a week on Radio Jornal do Brasil, starting in 1946. Imagine playing jazz on the radio as a teenager!

Return to Classical Music and Big Success

In 1948, Jacques Klein decided to return to classical music. He studied with famous teachers like William Kapell in New York City and Bruno Seidlhofer in Vienna. These studies helped him become an even better pianist.

His big break came in 1953 when he won first prize at the important Geneva International Music Competition. This win launched his career on the world stage. The next year, in 1954, he performed with the famous London Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1955, he was even named the best pianist of the year in London and received the Harriet Cohen Medal.

Collaborations and Teaching

Jacques Klein often played with other great musicians. He formed a duo with the violinist Salvatore Accardo and performed with the pianist Friedrich Gulda.

Besides performing, Jacques also loved to teach. He shared his knowledge at the school of music at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and at the University of Miami. Many of his students became famous musicians themselves, including Egberto Gismonti, Clelia Iruzun, and Arnaldo Cohen. He also recorded many Brazilian samba songs, showing his love for his country's music.

Lasting Legacy

To honor Jacques Klein's memory, the Latin American Music Center at Indiana University gives out a special award. The Jacques Klein Prize is given for the best performance of a piano piece by a Brazilian composer. It's a way to remember his amazing contributions to music.