Alexei Sultanov

He was most famous for winning the Eighth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1989, at the age of 19. One of four Cliburn competitors from the Soviet Union in 1989, he was the youngest in the field of 38 pianists – and at 5 feet 2 inches, he also was the smallest. But once he performed his volcanic selections of Liszt, Prokofiev and Chopin, he quickly became known for his huge sound. His fingers flashed over the keys; the music thundered and whispered and groaned. When he played, he shut his eyes as if enraptured by the music. During his performance, a piano string snapped, but Alexei continued to play on. And, when the music ended, he bowed low to the audience, then took a backward step and pointed to the piano as if to share the spotlight with a fellow performer. Audiences raved about his originality and the jury's decision was unanimous, but critics were split in their response.

At the age of 6, Alexei Sultanovbegan piano lessons in Tashkent with Tamara Popovich. Alexei was a student of Lev Naumov at the Central Music school and again at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory, where he completed his musical studies. Even after a severe stroke paralyzed his left side, Sultanov continued to play the piano with his right hand with his wife, cellist Dace Abele, accompanying him with the left hand. He died June 30, 2005 at the age of 35 in Fort Worth.

Read more on Alexei Sultanov @ Chicago Tribune

I was moved to tears after watching the videos on Chicago Tribune. Never before had I heard a live performance with such spontaneity, confidence, wisdom, intelligence and innovation-natural, without a trace of ostentation and deception. Alexei Sultanov obviously abused his body and talent early on, but it is amazing that he was able to overcome an ultimate challenge and play again from his heart. It truly demonstrates that sometimes it is the challenges that strengthen us.