Kilgore's gifted son's influence still felt
50 YEARS AFTER THE TCHAIKOVSKY COMPETITION
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

Photo by Dallas Morning News Alexander Kobrin is congratulated by Van Cliburn after winning the gold medal in the Van Cliburn piano competition at Fort Worth's Bass Hall in 2005. Cliburn's performance 50 years ago influenced world politics - and local musicians

"Cliburn is bigger than life. He transcended political boundaries," Bill Holda, Kilgore College president, said. "He was even viewed as an international diplomat and ambassador."

In life there are influences - people, places or events which often have a lasting impact on the paths others may choose. Van Cliburn is one of those people.

Cliburn, who was born Harvey Lavan Cliburn Jr. in Shreveport but grew up in Kilgore, would - over the course of fifty years - prove to be so much more than an immensely talented pianist.

Fifty years ago Monday, on April 14, 1958, Cliburn won the first place prize at the first International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition, making him a favorite in Russia

He set out on a musical path laid for him by his mother, Rildia O'Bryan Cliburn, also a pianist. He went from Kilgore to Carnegie Hall in 20 years, with stops along the way that included a performance with the Houston Symphony Orchestra after he won a state competition at 12 years old.

Cliburn's ties to the grand romantic school of piano were close from the start of his career: His only teacher for the first 17 years of his life was his mother, herself a pupil of Arthur Friedheim, who was a protegee of Austrian composer Franz Liszt. Later, at the Juilliard School, the young pianist studied at his mother's urging with the acclaimed Russian pedagogue Rosina Lhevinne. "Van was so teachable," recalled a proud Mrs. Cliburn in 1958, "and always so respectful and quick to learn."

In April of 1958, Cliburn's path lead him to Moscow for the first International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition. In addition to the first place award, his performance earned him an eight-minute standing ovation after his first piece.

While Cliburn won the hearts of the Russians with his gregarious personality and grand talent, emotions ran high and the Cold War kept raging.

He returned to the United States, dubbed by TIME magazine "The Texan Who Conquered Russia" and was greeted by a ticker tape parade - the first ever for a musician - in New York City.

When Cliburn returned to Kilgore for a concert the next December the city welcomed him home with a gala event and a proclamation by L.N. Crim, then Kilgore mayor.

"Whereas, for the past 21 years, Van Cliburn and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Cliburn, have been numbered among the finest citizens of this city; and

"It was in this city that Van grew up as a boy, beloved by all who knew him and who embarked upon an artistic career with superlative dedication; and

"By dint of ceaseless effort in the face of sometimes formidable opposition, he won his way to unprecedented fame and greatness in the international music world; and

"His magnificent achievements, both here and abroad, have brought great credit to his country, his state and his home town and can serve a inspiration to countless people, both young and old;

"Now therefor, I, L.N. Crim, Mayor of the City of Kilgore, Texas, do proclaim and declare that Tuesday, December 2, 1958, be, and the same is hereby officially designated as "Van Cliburn Day" and call upon every citizen to join in paying honor to one of the city's most distinguished citizens."

At the same time Price Daniel, then Texas governor, proclaimed the same date "Van Cliburn Day in Texas."

Daniels said "Van Cliburn has brought great credit to his state and nation far beyond his contribution as a world-famous musician. The talent, intellect and moral strength of this young Texas have become an inspiration to other young people in many countries."

Price added, "As a pianist, Van Cliburn has been awarded the highest honors in the world of music. As a diplomat and ambassador of good will, he has contributed to the international understanding and the crusade for world peace."

The musical program that followed featured Cliburn on piano, with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, under direction of Paul Kletzki, conductor, Cliburn performed Schumann's concert for piano and orchestra in A minor, No. 1, Opus 54 and Rachmaninov's concerto for piano and orchestra in D minor No. 3, Opus 30.

Then-14-year-old Jimmy Culp, organist at Kilgore's First Presbyterian Church, remembers the night well.

"The auditorium was packed to the walls," Culp said. "His performance left a lasting impression on me."

Cliburn's performances have impressed many other young people across the world, as was evident in his receptions.

"It is always inspiring to hear first-rate performances and Van Cliburn is a first-rate performer," Culp said.

Cliburn remains one of Culp's most inspirational influences to this day.

"He brought a crowd with him to hear the organ at First Presbyterian Church once after a Kilgore performance," Culp said. "That was the first time I had ever played for a large group of people."

Although the crowd gathered at the church was nowhere near the crowd - estimated at 350,000 - for a Cliburn performance in Chicago's Grant Park, Culp holds this memory dear.

In addition to numerous concerts, Cliburn has put out several recordings and even garnered a Grammy award for his recording of the same Tchaikovsky concerto that brought him international fame.

Cliburn has played for every American president since Truman. The audience for his performance in the Reagan White House included President Mikhail Gorbachev and his wife Raisa and was, more importantly, part of a summit meeting between the two leaders who eventually ended the Cold War.

"Most people recognized that Cliburn had a closer relationship with Russia than with any other country," Holda said. "Cliburn may not have solved the Cold War, but he definitely had a hand in the resolution."

A documentary about Cliburn, narrated by Dan Rather, is scheduled to air noon April 20 on KERA.