Clarence Adler

Clarence Adler (March 10, 1886 – December 24, 1969) was an American musician. He was a pianist, and a soloist for many leading orchestras in the United States and abroad. He was the private music instructor for composer Aaron Copland and other notable musicians.

Early life Adler was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 10, 1886. His father was German Jewish immigrant streetcar driver. After he turned eighteen, he went to Berlin, Germany to study with Leopold Godowsky. In 1942, he performed a series of six concerts in New York City, performing the 14 piano concertos of Mozart. Adler added bungalows for students and guests and recreational activities such as boating, bowling, swimming, and tennis. He taught piano until two weeks before he died.

Honors The College of Music of Cincinnati awarded Adler an honorary doctorate for his dedication. The community that grew around Karinoke was named Adlerville in his honor in 1926. In April 1964, Adler was honored at a chamber music concert in New York City for the 50th anniversary of his concert debut in New York City.

Personal life Adler married Elsa Adrienne Richard, a music student, and debutant from Mobile, Alabama. In 1921, they had one child, Richard Adler, the lyricist and composer for the Broadway musicals The Pajama Game and Damn Yankees. He lived at 336 Central Park West in New York City.

Adler died on December 24, 1969, in New York City at the age of 83. His brother Joseph Adler was also a pianist.