Bernard Comsky; Sold Pianos to Stars

Bernard Comsky, a concert pianist who sold pianos to such notable performers as Jascha Heifetz, Barbra Streisand and Julie Andrews, has died. He was 73.

Comsky died Tuesday at his home in Pacific Palisades.

For more than 35 years, Comsky owned and operated Bernard Comsky Artist Pianos in Los Angeles. He restored Steinway grand pianos and vintage instruments and sold imported pianos made by Grotrian, Feurich, Bechstein and Knight.

Comsky became known as a leading provider of pianos for performers and music teachers throughout Southern California.

Born in Chicago, Comsky graduated from DePaul University, where he studied with Sergei Tarnofsky, and earned a master’s degree in music at USC. He also studied at the Royal Academy of Music in Glasgow, Scotland.

Comsky gave concerts throughout Europe in the 1940s. He also performed and taught music in Los Angeles before opening his piano sales business.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Selma; three daughters, Andrea Kessler, Jan Comsky and Michelle Margolis; and two granddaughters.