The Texan Who Conquered Russia Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Texan Who Conquered Russia - Article Example Van Cliburn's However, his talent was clear and could not be denied even by jaded officials.   His performance of Tchaikovsky's 1st Piano Concerto and Rachmaninoff's 3rd earned him an eight-minute standing ovation, not only because of the technicality and emotion that Van Cliburn offered the pieces but the audience appreciated his deference in choosing Russian composers' works. ,   When consulting Khrushchev on the unlikely decision they, the judges, were about to make, he asked plainly, "Is he the best?" After hearing that he was Khrushchev responded, "Then give him the prize."   This single sentence probably did more for a music career than any other in history. His victory reached the shores of the US almost immediately and was seen as no less than a victory in the Cold War.   Though Van Cliburn claimed that he was unaware at the moment he received the award what the cultural and political ramifications were going to be, it soon became clear as his guileless charm and obvi ous skill were respected and appreciated by the Muscovite crowds. Moreover, his first prize made him a national hero at home.   His heroic status is evident and unique as he was and still is the only classical musician ever to be honored with a ticker-tape parade in New York City's Time Square.  However, his talent was clear and could not be denied even by jaded officials.   His performance of Tchaikovsky's 1st Piano Concerto and Rachmaninoff's 3rd earned him an eight-minute standing ovation, not only because of the technicality and emotion that Van Cliburn offered the pieces but the audience appreciated his deference in choosing Russian composers' works. ,   When consulting Khrushchev on the unlikely decision they, the judges, were about to make, he asked plainly, "Is he the best?" After hearing that he was Khrushchev responded, "Then give him the prize."   This single sentence probably did more for a music career than any other in history. His victory reached the shores of the US almost immediately and was seen as no less than a victory in the Cold War.   Though Van Cliburn claimed that he was unaware at the moment he received the award what the cultural and political ramifications were going to be, it soon became clear as his guileless charm and obvious skill were respected and appreciated by the Muscovite crowds. Moreover, his first prize made him a national hero at home.   His heroic status is evident and unique as he was and still is the only classical musician ever to be honored with a ticker-tape parade in New York City's Time Square.   There are some detractors who suggest that the results of the Tchaikovsky Competition were skewed because of the intense pressure on the judges and the creative scorekeeping that was involved. Furthermore, musically some suggest that his performance was not as technically proficient as others, but had an emotional appeal that was hard to resist suggesting that his playing style was a cross between "Horow itz, Liberace, and Elvis Presley."  Ã‚