If longevity is seen as an illustration of having a charmed life then classical musicians top the charts.
Joining the modern music industry and playing in a band are – by contrast – likely to end up in an early death.
A combination of factors inherent in the popular music industry (such as the abuse of alcohol, the taking of drugs, irregular hours, touring and high levels of performance stress all take their toll
Lefébure also performed in the United States, and she remained a true champion of French music. Her career as a teacher was strongly encouraged by Cortot, and he even supported her candidacy to replace Isidor Philipp at the Conservatoire. During her student days she was personally acquainted with Maurice Ravel, who apparently advised her on performances of his works.
In 1964, Lefébure founded the Juillet Musical de Saint-Germain-en-Laye where she gave advanced courses in interpretation. She continued to teach well into her seventies and eighties, and forcefully communicated the zest for life and music that she brought to her own performances. As one of her student’s commented, “she managed to draw you in totally to the music with amazing passion and energy.” Although her teaching methods, inspired by her articulate and forceful personality may seem outdated nowadays, Lefébure nevertheless provided inspiration and guidance to countless young artists. A dedicated international piano competition bearing her name was rightfully established in 1990.
The Longevity of Music.
Pianist Arthur Rubenstein played in public until he was 90
Pablo Casals played one of Bach’s Cello Suites every day from the time he found that marvelous volume in the Barcelona bookstore until his death at aged 96.
Vladimir Horowitz produced masterly performances even at the age of 83 when he played a program in Vienna of Mozart, Schubert, Schuman, Lizst and Chopin and completed his last recording just 4 days before his death at age 85.
In his late 80s, Arturo Toscanini conducted the complete cycle of Beethoven Symphonies at Carnegie Hall.
The dominant figure of conductor, composer, musicologist Pierre Boulez influenced all aspects of 20th century classical music for many of his 90 years.
In honor of his 75th birthday, the renowned Maurizio Pollini graced the stage of London’s Royal Festival Hall for two enchanting concerts. Despite a slight stoop as he made his way to the Steinway his performance of Debussy’s Preludes Book 2 during the opening concert was nothing short of mesmer. After two hours of pure musical magic, including three encores, one critic declared Pollini was playing “like a deity.
