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Chopin Competition Countdown

II 1932

Alexander Uninsky

Country: Soviet Union Alexander Uninsky: 1910–1972

About the win

Alexander Uninsky won the second edition in 1932 after a legendary tie with Imre Ungar that, by most accounts, was settled by the toss of a coin. He went on to build an international recital and recording career in the West.

Key facts

  • Won the 1932 edition following a famous drawn result decided by lot.
  • Born in the Russian Empire; later became a French and then a United States citizen.
  • Left admired recordings of Chopin's waltzes and études.
  • Taught at the Toronto Royal Conservatory and at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

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