Vladimir de Pachmann facts for kids
Vladimir de Pachmann (born July 27, 1848 – died January 6, 1933) was a very talented pianist. He came from the Russian Empire and was known for playing the music of Chopin. People also remembered him for his unique and sometimes funny way of performing.
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Early Life and Music Training
Vladimir Pachmann was born in Odesa, which was part of the Russian Empire at the time. His father was a professor at the University of Odesa. He was also a great amateur violinist who had met famous composers like Beethoven. Vladimir's father was his only music teacher until Vladimir turned 18.
After that, Vladimir went to Vienna to study music at the Vienna Conservatory. He learned piano from Josef Dachs and music theory from Anton Bruckner. He was a brilliant student and won the Conservatory's Gold Medal.
Becoming a Famous Pianist
Vladimir de Pachmann gave his first public concert in Odesa in 1869. However, he didn't perform much in public until 1882. He spent those years studying music even more deeply. After 1882, he started touring all over Europe and the United States. People everywhere recognized him as one of the best pianists of his time.
His concerts mostly featured the beautiful music of Chopin. Sometimes, he would also play a piece by other composers like Bach or Mendelssohn. For 18 years, from 1890 to 1908, he toured the United States. He often promoted the Chickering Piano during his tours.
His Unique Performing Style
Vladimir de Pachmann was famous for more than just his piano playing. He was known for his interesting actions and comments during his performances. He would often gesture, mutter to himself, and even talk to the audience.
The Encyclopædia Britannica described his stage manner as "playful." A critic named James Huneker even called him the "Chopinzee" because of his lively actions. The writer George Bernard Shaw once said that Pachmann "gave his well-known pantomimic performance, with accompaniments by Chopin."
Personal Life
In April 1884, Pachmann married another pianist named Maggie Okey. She was from Australia and later became known as Marguerite de Pachmann. They performed concerts together in Europe. They had three sons: Victor, who sadly died as a baby, and two others named Adriano and Leonide. Their marriage lasted for seven years.
Vladimir de Pachmann was one of the first musicians to make recordings of his performances. He started in 1906 with recordings for the Welte-Mignon reproducing piano. In 1907, he also made recordings for the phonograph, which was an early record player.
Vladimir de Pachmann passed away in Rome in 1933 when he was 84 years old.
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Vladimir Pachmann
