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An Inspired Collection
1. Fantasia
in C Major
2. Fantasia
in C Minor
3. Sonata
op.57
4. Liebestraume
5. Prelude
op. 13
6. Valse
7. Valse
Arabesque
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Pearl
Amster
An
Inspired Collection
Pearl
Amster - Piano
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From
The
Austin Chronicle
By Robert Faires
September 29, 2000
If
the pianos of Austin sound a little mournful this week, it's because
one of their dearest friends -- and a friend to many musicians in
this city -- has passed away. Pearl Amster was a New York City native
who, after a notable career as a teacher and concert pianist, made
her way to Austin and became a prominent figure on the local arts
scene through the classes she taught, the performances she gave,
the social events she hosted, and the music stores she operated,
Amster Music and Art and Amster Piano Barn. Her death Friday, September
22, at the age of 83, brought a close to a career of noteworthy
musical accomplishments and extraordinary longevity, one which included
a debut performance at New York's Town Hall at the age of 16; the
first artist diploma from the National Guild of Music and Teachers
to be awarded to a woman; studying with celebrated teachers Rose
Raymond and Roslyn Tureck; a performance in Steinway Concert Hall
at Carnegie Hall; a 28-year run of hosting monthly soirees for local
artists, university students, and visiting musicians; a CD of her
playing the piano, recorded on her 80th birthday; and, of
course, touching the lives of countless musicians and music lovers
through the lessons and intimate gatherings she provided in her
home. She was also quite active outside her home, volunteer ushering
for performances at Capitol City Playhouse, Zachary Scott Theatre
Center, the Paramount, and the UT Performing Arts Center, and serving
on the board of the Violet Crown Players and the Austin Civic Orchestra.
Her association with this latter company prompted it to name its
annual concerto competition in her honor. Gustav Amster, her husband
of 45 years, preceded her in death in 1986. She is survived by her
daughters Karen and Nancy, both of Austin, and their husbands, Peter
Janson and Lee Owen, respectively; seven grandhildren and four great-grandchildren.
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