Dec. 2, 1960: Van Cliburn, the Cold War sensation who won the 1958 Tchaikovsky piano competition, performs the Brahms second piano concerto with the Los Angeles Philharmonic under Bruno Walter at Shrine Auditorium.   [Yes, I cringe to think of what the acoustics were like in that big barn.]

I’ve posted Albert Goldberg’s review on the jump, not because it is exceptionally good but because it reflects music criticism of the era when one was supposed to be “transported” by the music. Goldberg’s reviews are certainly head and shoulders above those of  Isabel Morse Jones and he was an institution at The Times. And he does note that Cliburn can play something besides Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff.

What’s significant about this performance is that it was last live concert conducted by Walter, who died in Beverly Hills in 1962. He continued to make recordings, however, according to an online discography.  

Also on the jump: Zubin Mehta will make his debut with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1961.

IF YOUR CHILD IS BORN TODAY … he will have a life full of changes and interesting experiences, dealing with fascinating personalities. [I guess if you have a girl you are out of luck!]