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American classical pianist, born August 15, 1926 in Long Branch, New Jersey; died April 29, 1969 in Paris. debuted in 1936 with Mozart's K. 466; in 1947 he played the same concert, conducted by Eugene Ormandy (Mozart, KV 466). Had lessons with his grandparents and mother (Mr. and Mrs. Svet..) until he was 14.
1946: Graduated as a philosopher at the Haverford College. Had also studied English literature. Then went to Paris, represented his country at the first UNESCO festival where he performed the 5th piano concerto by Beethoven. A tour followed (Rome, Vienna, Naples, Paris, London, Salzburg). After that he settled in Paris.
1956: Married Arlette Patoux
Katchen's popularity increased in the period 1949-1969 and had a varied repertoire for Decca with piano music of Brahms.
In December 1968 he was part of a project by the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus.
He died less than six months later as a consequence of cancer at only 42 years old.