An introduction to Harriet Cohen and some of her pioneering Bach recordings, plus a delightful 1962 interview - truly insightful:
www.patreon.com/posts/152568...
09.03.2026 01:04
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An introduction to Harriet Cohen and some of her pioneering Bach recordings, plus a delightful 1962 interview - truly insightful:
www.patreon.com/posts/152568...
Harriet Cohen recorded the first part of what was planned to be the first Well-Tempered Clavier on disc starting in 1928 (the project was abandoned partway through), and in 1935 several of her Bach transcriptions, all beautifully played. These and a 1962 interview linked are linked in the comments.
Details about the great Moiseiwitsch with links to two written features, 1943 film footage, a stellar 1946 BBC broadcast, and a late 1950s LP - all glorious:
www.patreon.com/posts/152174...
We are fortunate to have many hours of recordings by Benno Moiseiwitsch spanning over four decades - he is always so satisfying. A number of audio links & features I've written about him today, including an incredible recorded live appearance only issued decades after I got it. Link in the comments.
Today's birthday tribute to Dame Myra Hess, including a previously unpublished 1947 broadcast:
www.patreon.com/posts/151659...
February 25 marks the anniversary of Myra Hess in 1890. The beloved pianist was a master well beyond what her official discs reveal. Fortunately we have many hours of live appearances that showcase her more fiery side. I am publishing a 1947 broadcast for the first time today. Link in comments.
An overview into Rachmaninoff's solo recordings (including the correction of an oft-repeated inaccurate claim) and a link to his superb 1940 set of 11 of his solo works - magical performances!
www.patreon.com/posts/151020...
Rachmaninoff recorded no complete cycles of his solo works (as he did with his concertos), but he fortunately set down a number of incredible accounts of some of his great piano works. I have uploaded a set of 1940 discs of 11 of his solo pieces. Link & details in the comments.
A link to an overview of Clara Sansoni's life and sole private recording, captured when she was retired - and 78 years old - on a regrettably out-of-tune piano... but the mastery is absolutely evident. Truly miraculous pianism!
www.patreon.com/posts/150789...
I am thrilled to share the only recording of Clara Sansoni, a pupil of Albéniz & Planté who only made a private disc at the age of 78. Even on a regrettably out-of-tune piano we hear miraculous pianism from this forgotten master in works by Albéniz, Chopin, Beethoven. Stunning! Link in the comments.
An overview of Constance Keene plus three sets of recordings, including two superb Rachmaninoff cycles:
www.patreon.com/posts/150376...
Constance Keene was born 105 years ago on February 9, 1921. She knew a number of legendary pianists and was highly esteemed by her colleagues (she taught Rubinstein's children). An anthology of various recordings & two superb sets of Rachmaninoff works are linked in the comments!
Remembering Tamás Vásáry with some superb filmed performances from the 1960s through to 2018 (not 2014 as I mistakenly wrote in the main post):
www.patreon.com/posts/150144...
Hungarian pianist & conductor Tamás Vásáry has died at the age of 92. An active recording artist with a significant discography, the respected artist was even more vibrant in live appearances. In tribute, some fantastic filmed performances from 1962 to 2014. RIP Maestro Vásáry!
More about Irene Scharrer, and a selection of superb recordings:
www.patreon.com/posts/149791...
British pianist Irene Scharrer was born 138 years ago on February 2, 1888. A pupil of Tobias Matthay alongside Myra Hess (with whom she often played), she stopped recording in 1933 but performed into the late 1950s. More details - and some bold yet lyrical performances - linked in the comments.
An introduction to Bruce Hungerford, with a linked tribute including detailed biographical information and a selection of live and studio recordings:
www.patreon.com/posts/149209...
Australian pianist Bruce Hungerford was killed in a car crash 49 years ago - he was only 54. A pupil of the Clara Schumann & Brahms disciple Carl Friedberg, he made several LPs and toured globally in his time on stage. A tribute from his centenary a few years ago is linked in the comments below.
Background information and a linked feature that includes the full backstory into the phenomenal world-premiere Scriabin recordings by the sorely overlooked Polish pianist Alexander Sienkiewicz:
www.patreon.com/posts/149026...
100 years ago this month, the now-forgotten Polish pianist Alexander Sienkiewicz made the world-premiere recordings of Scriabin's 9th & 10th Sonatas, commissioned by a Japanese record club (only 400 copies printed). Details about the pianist & these incredible recordings linked in today's feature.
An overview of Hofmann's discography and artistry:
www.patreon.com/posts/148731...
The legendary Polish pianist Josef Hofmann was born 150 years ago. His is among the most fascinating if challenging discographies, ranging from sanctioned pre-microphone recordings through to later live solo & concerto broadcasts. An overview of his legacy & pianism linked below.
My tribute to Ruth Slenczynska for her centenary last year includes our fascinating hour-long conversation about her legendary teachers, plus older & recent recordings and film footage:
www.patreon.com/posts/148344...
Ruth Slenczynska celebrates her 101st birthday this January 15th. When she was 'only' 98½, I recorded an hour-long discussion with her about her lessons with Hofmann, Cortot, Schnabel, Petri, and Rachmaninoff, with jaw-dropping insights. This & other links shared in the comments thread.
A tribute to Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli that includes Italian film from 1949 and three recitals recorded between 1952 and 1967:
www.patreon.com/posts/147681...
January 5 was the birthday of Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (ABM), as well as Brendel and Pollini. Belatedly recognizing ABM with some film & live recordings spanning nearly 20 years, from 1949 film footage to 50s & 60s recitals in Europe & the US. Remarkable pianistic mastery. Link in comments.
An overview of this compilation (not one that I personally put together) of four pianists playing the same Bach transcription, plus the link to the audio:
www.patreon.com/posts/146698...
A somewhat Christmas-themed post: four pianists playing the Hess transcription of Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. Myra Hess, Walter Gieseking, Dinu Lipatti, and Bruce Hungerford all bring their unique approach to this gorgeous work. Which do you prefer? Link in the comments.
An overview and linked tribute to Henri-Gil Marchex, including some of his phenomenal recordings:
www.patreon.com/posts/146016...
Henri Gil-Marchex was born 133 years ago. Never heard of him? Many haven't. He lived until 1970 but only made discs in 1927 that were never reissued until a decade ago. Ravel admired him & he was the 1st French pianist to tour & give conferences in Japan. Page with incredible recordings linked below