From Hollywood Bowl to Gershwin Glory: How Unlikely Moments Shaped Pianist Norman Krieger’s Path to Success

Photo credit: Christian Steiner

We often think that a musician's development comes from calculated discipline, but pivotal changes can come from the most unexpected events earlier in life. I had the opportunity to chat with Norman Krieger, chair of the piano department at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. With five successful albums under his belt, we talked about the formative moments that led him to where he is now.

"I would have to say there are two sort of interesting experiences that I had early on in my life; the first one was a concert that my mother took me to also at the Hollywood Bowl to hear a violinist who I really didn't know much about by the name of Jascha Heifetz…We went to the rehearsal because we couldn't get tickets to the concert. It was completely sold out." He described the sound of Heifetz's playing as a sound that "went through me like an x-ray when he started playing."

Krieger was playing the violin at the time. His grandfather was also a violinist, so the choice was already made for him. Fortunately for future audiences and his students, he switched to piano after the family German Shepherd couldn't tolerate the sound of a beginner violinist any longer.

"I think that was divine intervention because, on the piano, you play ten notes and do not take responsibility for intonation. Plus, you have the pedal to sustain sound. So I transferred from the violin to the piano when I was about 5 or 6 years old."

Music was always a huge part of his life. His family were Jewish refugees during WWII, and a celebration of life translated into constant singing in the household. The joy of safety, life, and being in America had a strong influence on Krieger, who was a first-generation American. It is an aspect of why he devotes himself to Gershwin's music.

In fact, he just released Norman Krieger plays Gershwin recorded under the baton of Neil Gittleman with the Prague National Symphony.  "My dream was always to celebrate Gershwin's music, [and] particularly now, it is the 100th anniversary of Rhapsody in Blue and next year for the Concerto in F, which are two staples of American Literature." 

Fun fact: if you've ever flown American Airlines, you've heard Krieger playing Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. "That music reflects hope and joy and all the future outlook at that time of 1924 of what was possible in America, this kind of optimism," he exclaimed. "I gravitate to that kind of music as a first-generation American. And I think that music is what we need right now in the world. Perhaps more than ever because it reminds us of simple things like gratitude, compassion, empathy, joy — just the fundamental things. We should all be grateful and celebrate." 

Yet, with all the accolades and accomplishments, Krieger remains humble and grateful for the simplicity. To him, success is not a destination; it's having a roof over your head and creating the art you desire. He deeply admires other artists who can maintain that level of groundedness, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Lady Gaga, and Tony Bennett. "It's about them having the ability to project their spirit and not being egotistical. It's really not about them; they are a vessel to express this wonderful message." 

To Krieger, true success and greatness as a musician require the artist to be true to who they are. He acknowledges that social media makes that increasingly challenging, but individuality is the essence of an artist. "I really believe each one of us has a unique gift that no one else has, and our purpose on this planet is to use that gift to make our planet a better place for everyone."

Listen to the episode today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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