Jacqueline Piatigorsky

It is a name that stands out, even as I first read about her and the Piatigorsky Cup that she organised in the U.S. of the 60s. It was the strongest chess tournament back then. Originally meant to be a triennial series of grandmaster tournament, only two events were held, in 1963 and 1966. The prizes were among the largest of any chess tournament up to that time; furthermore, every player was guaranteed a prize and all traveling and living expenses were paid for. To pull such a tournament off, that girl has got to have a passion overwhelming.

Why does this name stand out to me? The name Piatigorsky brings to me the unforgettable vintage recording of the Dvořák Cello Concerto by Gregor Piatigorsky, the great Russian cellist. And of course, that instrument is inextricably associated with Jacqueline du Pré, the English great who married the Argentine pianist Daniel Barenboim.

Henceforth, Jacqueline Piatigorsky is a very special name to me. Both the first and the last names are giants in the world of cello music. It turns out that she does have some links with the cello: for she married none other than Gregor Piatigorsky! What a surprise. And what a blessing. I am tempted to further on how Gregor Piatigorsky's recording of Dvorak had arrested me almost straight away when I first listened; however this is more about her than him: Still I must voice that while Mstislav Rostropovich surely has the reputation, Piatigorsky has the unmistakable substance. Listen to his recital of a happy and lyrical Bourree from Bach's Suites for an Unaccompanied Cello.

Back to her story, Jacqueline Piatigorsky happened to be one of the strongest American women chess champion, peaking at national ranking of second in the 60s. She was also a national tennis champion, as well as a sculpture artist in her late years.

As a note of personal interest, she created an endowment for the New England Conservatory of Music to provide the "New England Conservatory/Piatigorsky Artist Award" in 1985. A recipient of this award receives a cash prize and a series of concert engagements.

Held in L.A., the first Piatigorsky Cup was won by Paul Keres and Tigran Petrosian, both of whom tied at the first place. At Santa Monica, the second cup was won by the then rising king of chess, Boris Spassky. By all accounts, the second Piatigorsky Cup was much more exciting with the involvement of Boris Spassky, as well as the legendary Bobby Fischer. As a side note, Fischer had declined the invitation to the first tournament after his demand for a $2000 appearance fee was refused by the tournament organizers in 1963.

Surely extraordinary is a lady as strong, and gifted and passionate as Jacqueline Piatigorsky was about the endeavors and loves of her life. Without even going into her background, hers was, in my opinion, a pretty illustrious and blessed lifetime.