Rudolf Serkin (1903-91), American pianist, born in Eger, Austria-Hungary (now Cheb, the Czech Republic). A child prodigy at the age of 4, he made his debut with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra at the age of 12. He was noted for his precise and imaginative piano technique. Serkin made his American debut in 1933. He became head of the piano faculty at the Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia, in 1939 and served as director of the institute (1968-75). Serkin was also cofounder and artistic director (1952-1991) of the annual summer Marlboro Music School and Festival, in Vermont. He occasionally appeared with his son Peter Serkin (1947- ), also an acclaimed pianist, in duo concerts.