Romanian Pianist Dies at Age 33

[Cato]

This just came to my attention: perhaps Florestan knows more.

An excerpt from the link below:

"The award-winning Rumanian pianist Mihaela Ursuleasa has died suddenly at the age of 33. Her agent, Andreea Butucariu, has informed us that Mihaela was found dead today in her Vienna apartment. A full statement will be issued in the morning. The family requests that its privacy is respected.

Mihaela was supposed to play yesterday in Bucharest with the National Youth Orchestra and on Saturday in Berlin..."

(From her biography):

"The unique blend of vivacious play and lyrical talent make Mihaela Ursuleasa one of the most remarkable pianists of her generation.
Born in Brasov, Romania in 1978, she began her career at a very early age. In 1990, she withdrew from the stage and concentrated on her scholastic, musical and piano education, now in her adopted country in Vienna, Austria.

Mihaela Ursuleasa reaped the fruits of this decision when she won the highly acclaimed Clara Haskil Competition in 1995. She was rewarded for her rare combination of vivacity and technical mastery. She was likened to Clara Haskil herself, her fellow countrywoman of the pre-war period. Today she enjoys an international career, without basking in her success but with bubbling energy and a sincere passion for music."



See:

http://www.artsjournal.com/slippeddisc/2012/08/reports-tragic-death-of-an-international-pianist.html

[Brian]

She had six CDs available in the USA, including two RCA collaborations with cellist Sol Gabetta.

[Cato]

She had six CDs available in the USA, including two RCA collaborations with cellist Sol Gabetta.

Many thanks for the link: the one with the Ginastera Sonata I seems interesting.

[Cato]

From YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/v/fhZfYdiiZAE&feature=relmfu

[KeithW]

The New York Times had an obituary at the weekend.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/05/arts/music/mihaela-ursuleasa-classical-pianist-dies-at-33.html

[Kontrapunctus]

Oh, that's just awful. I saw her in recital a few years ago--she was fantastic.