Edward Steuremann (1892–1964) was a Polish-American pianist, composer, and teacher. He studied piano with Vilém Kurz and Ferrucio Busoni and composition with Englebert Humperdinck and Arnold Schoenberg. He formed a close professional association with Schoenberg and performed in many of the premieres of Schoenberg's works. Steuremann moved to the United States in 1938 and joined the Juilliard faculty in 1952. He taught there until his death in 1964. His students included Alfred Brendel, Lorin Hollander, and Theodor Adorno. Compositions he wrote after moving to the United States included a piano trio, a string quartet, several pieces for orchestra, and a cantata. He was known for his recitals of Beethoven's music. Apparently, RK heard one of these recitals and wrote to Steuremann to express his admiration.

March 15, 1952

Dear Mr. Steuermann,

Last Wednesday I did not come backstage to speak to you because I knew you would not then believe what I had to say. Your performance was for me one of the most heartening and deeply satisfying musical experiences I have had for a long time. It is so seldom that one hears music played as one wants it to sound, that instead of false pathos there is an organic and sustained unfolding of the musical fabric itself. Also I am delighted that you played the Dear Mr. Steuermann, Eroica Variations. It has always seemed to me that they deserved to be heard more often.

I hope that I shall see you again before long.

Admiringly Yours,

Ralph Kirkpatrick