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Leonard Pennario
Leonard Pennario
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Leonard Pennario Obituary
Pennario died Friday at his home in San Diego of complications from Parkinson's disease, said his biographer, Mary Kunz Goldman.
Pennario won a Grammy in the 1960s for his work with violinist Jascha Heifetz and cellist Gregor Piatigorsky.
He was a passionate performer who enjoyed playing in front of audiences, said Kunz Goldman.
"'You have to play for the people; you have to play for an audience,'" she recalled Pennario saying. "'You can't just go into the studio and make records, you know?'"
Born in Buffalo on July 9, 1924, Pennario was 10 when he and his family moved to Los Angeles. At age 12, he learned the Grieg Concerto in a week so he could perform it from memory with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Pennario never attended a music conservatory but at 19 made his debut at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic.
He made more than 40 recordings for the Capitol record label between 1950 and 1960. He went on to make more than 20 more for other labels.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
28 Entries
Robert Callahan
March 7, 2019
Best rendition of Faure's Pavane Op. 50 I ever heard in my life.
Bruce Spera
April 13, 2017
I was nine..you and Carmen Dragon doing Warsaw Concerto, Moonlight Sonata, Cornish Rhapsody and Leibestraum. I learned them all in 1959 in Rocky Hill , Connecticut ---thank you for your monumental talent. I performed Leibestraum at a recital near my tenth birthday-Myrtle H Stevens school. Maybe the best I ever played--thank you and God bless you ... My total inspiration to play.
Abigail pennario
May 11, 2015
Keep playing up there.
Abigail Pennario
May 11, 2015
Well i never met leonard, but my dad tells me about him. He said he's my great great grandpas cousin. I listened to a couple recordings of his work, and it was amazing. My friend April had been teaching me to play. Hopefully i can okay like him one day. Fly high.((:
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MICHAEL JACOBSEN
October 27, 2010
Hello Joe, I was just going through some photos and I found a cliiping from theTacoma Tribune with Leonard Tom and myself. It reminded me of what great guy hewas and how genorous he was with himself and our family. I came down to LA on his invitation and went concert with your mom and you when he played with Piatigorsky. I just wanted to say hi and send my deepest regards to you and your family.
Douglas Evans
October 19, 2010
Leonard Pennario has been a major source of inspiration in my life. From the moment I heard him perform Chopin Polonaise in A-flat, Op. 53, I tried to duplicate his perfection but never quite could. It was not merely his excellent keyboard technique, but his ability to incorporate the grandest and most noble of human emotions into his performances. In my humble opinion, he was the greatest pianist ever!
Billie Murray
June 26, 2010
I was privileged to have briefly known Leonard Pennario at Berendo Jr. High in Los Angeles. When he left to attend high school he came back to perform for the student body. Everyone knew then, that he was destined for a wonderful career. I heard him years later when he played in Whittier. One of his closst friends was teacher Helen Wade, with whom he visited for many years and played bridge with her. She spoke of him often.
Carl Rubino
August 7, 2008
I just learned of Leonard Pennario's passing.
His recordings were an inspiration to me in my teens, and I remember a very moving recital in Round Top, Texas, in the seventies.
He was a great artist with a endearingly common touch.
Sgt. Philip A. Reich (Detroit Police - retired)
July 13, 2008
I was fortunate to have met this kind and talented man. Although he will be sorely missed, his work will be enjoyed and revered for countless generations to come.
marianne schuman
July 10, 2008
Joe, I remember with fondness the times you, Len and your parents spent with the Schumans in Encinitas.Please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your beloved brother. Marianne Schuman
Clarke Cunningham
July 4, 2008
Joe, the time I spent with Maestro and you last year, talking and listening to music and playing bridge, was one of the high points of my life.
Brian Merritt
July 2, 2008
Dr Pennario..Thank you for
introducing me to your brother
and his unforgetable talent.
Condolences to the family.
Robert Raasch
July 2, 2008
One of the greatest!, will never be forgotten.
Clarice Roberts
July 1, 2008
You brought wonderful music to you audience.
Dave Duecker
July 1, 2008
I remember the night Leonard Pennario came to Grinnell College (IA) for a piano recital in 1950. I was a freshman at the time.
God's Blessings.
Wanisha
July 1, 2008
It is never easy to get over a loss. With Almighty God's help he can help us cope. May he be a source of comfort to the family and friends in this trying time. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort." -2 Corinthians 1:3
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
July 1, 2008
Rest in peace and thank you so much for the lovely music.
Harry Simpson
June 29, 2008
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Bob Borisoff
June 29, 2008
He had been my classmate and friend at LA High, may he rest in peace always!
Catherine
June 29, 2008
Peace With The Lord.
.m van vechten
June 29, 2008
I thought you were wonderful.
R C
June 29, 2008
Play it again Leonard:
"It Is Well With My Soul"
Carole Pecoraro-Bradley
June 29, 2008
Leonard Pennario was my cousin. Mt Grandmother was Rose Sofia and every year when he came to play in Buffalo he came to our house for supper and fun.
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
June 29, 2008
REST IN PEACE LEONARD PEMMARIO
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
June 28, 2008
REST IN PEACE, LEONARD PENNARIO
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