Robert Levin (6 June 191229 October 1996) was a Norwegian classical pianist and composer. Although he was an accomplished solo pianist and composer, Levin received international acclaim for his work as an accompanist with several of the world's most celebrated vocal and instrumental performers. Background Levin was born in Kristiania (now Oslo), Norway. He grew up in the immigrant neighborhood in Grünerløkka, the child of David Levin (1882–1936) and Marie Scheer (1885–1954). Both were Jewish refugees from Lithuania who had immigrated in 1905. Levin's father supported his family through various means, including peddling sewing notions and carting coal. Levin caught interest in the piano when he was four and a half years old, at his grandmother's home. By the time he was five, he had taught himself well enough for his first public performance. He did not receive formal lessons until he was ten, and when he was twelve he was accepted by the pre-eminent music teacher of the time, Nils Larsen. Levin did his part to support the family by performing at restaurants, bars, and movie theaters during the silent film era. He only finished the first six years of public schooling. He learned at the synagogue for his bar mitzvah, but was mostly occupied with his music. He was also an avid reader of diverse literature. Early professional career Like many of the classical musicians of pre-World War II era, Levin played at restaurants to support himself. He rose through the unofficial ranks as a teenager, overcoming strong antisemitic barriers. He took private lessons with concertmaster Gustav Fredrik Lange (1861–1939) and notably composer Fartein Valen (1887–1952), being exposed to a wide range of musical traditions and innovations. Levin was the last living silent movie veteran when he died in 1996. He also became an accomplished accordion player during this time. Levin had his performance debut on 26 January 1932 to widespread acclaim. Levin was introduced to several strains of modern music when he was engaged in the orchestra at Theatercafeen, where the Norwegian exponent of neo-Classical music Carl Gustav Sparre Olsen (1903–1984) performed. The orchestra also introduced Levin to jazz music. War years After Norway was occupied by Nazi Germany in 1940, Levin continued to perform but was subjected to daily threats and restrictions on the venues and music he could play. When Nazi authorities in occupied Norway started arresting and deporting Jews, Levin went under cover with