THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
Decca Classics has re-signed a legendary musician after six decades!
Ruth Slenczynska recorded for the Decca Gold Label in the 1950s and 60s. The pianist, who celebrated her 97th birthday January 15, said she is thrilled to return to the label nearly 60 years later to release a brand new solo album. Recorded in 2021, entitled My Life in Music, the album celebrates her remarkable life and performing career which began as a child prodigy in the 1920s and continues nine decades later.
When asked about her new album, Slenczynska said,
"Unbelievable! Whoever heard of a pianist my age making another album? I'm grateful if they like the music. Music is meant to bring joy. If mine still brings joy to people, then it is doing what it is supposed to do."
Born in 1925 in Sacramento, California, to Polish immigrants, Slenczynska gave her concert debut at the age of four (just as the world entered the Great Depression), performed on television aged five and at six made her European concert debut in Berlin. 92 years later, the extraordinary pianist still performs to audiences around the world.
As a child, Ruth Slenczynska was taught by some of the most celebrated pianists in history. She is the last living pupil of the great Russian composer-pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff, and even stepped in for him at the last minute when he was unable to perform due to an injury. The pair would often drink tea together and, to this day, Slenczynska wears a Fabergé egg necklace the great musician gifted to her.
My Life in Music is inspired by Slenczynska's personal connections with Rachmaninoff, as well as American composer Samuel Barber, who was her fellow student and friend. Slenczynska heard Barber's now world-famous Adagio for Strings in the classroom, before it even had its title.
Slenczynska also explores the music of Chopin throughout the new album, including a piece she performed at the memorial service of one of the greatest pianists of all time, Vladimir Horowitz, a life-long friend. Chopin's music formed Slenczynska's musical foundations, with her father making her play all 24 Études before breakfast every morning. Slenczynska went on to earn a reputation as one of the most celebrated Chopin interpreters. The album also features pieces by Debussy, Grieg and Bach which, for her, conjure memories of some of her great piano mentors: Egon Petri, Alfred Cortot and Josef Hoffman.
A phenomenal performing career has seen Slenczynska appear at some of the most prestigious concert halls around the world, as well as for the likes of President Reagan, President Kennedy, President Carter, Michelle Obama, the (now former) Empress Michiko of Japan (with whom she is friends), and even play a duet with President Truman. She has also written extensively with many articles published and two books to her credit.
Still an active performer, Slenczynska performed at the 2021 Chopin International Festival and Friends in October 2021 in the Polish Embassy in New York and is set to celebrate her 97th Birthday with a recital at Lebanon Valley College, PA, on 6 February.
My Life in Music is out on Decca Classics in conjunction with Universal Music Australia on 18th March 2022
