The Piano Files

An overview of Simon Barere's pianism and a linked tribute featuring more detailed biographical details, an array of recordings, and recently discovered film footage that reveals his astonishing ease at the keyboard: patreon.com/posts/154654996

Simon Barere died mid-concert at @carnegiehall 75 years ago on April 2, 1951. The pianist of dazzling dexterity and innate musicality left behind a modest official discography now expanded by hours of live recordings (many from Carnegie Hall) & now some film footage. Link below.

@artenthusejd As I wrote in the post... "some more famous pianists deliberately left out in order to showcase a few lesser-known artists". My thoughts on Interpretation are in all three videos but largely in the Vancouver Recital Society conversation, as well as the one featuring 20 pianists.

@ThePianoFiles OMG, 88 keys on the 88th day! Though where is Rubinstein?! 🫢 I'm kicking myself for missing this. Would love to hear your thoughts on interpretation...

March 28 was World Piano Day, the 88th day of the year celebrating the instrument that (usually) has 88 keys. In recognition of this day and this amazing instrument, 3 filmed conversations in which my hosts & I discuss great pianists, interpretation, and live performances.

An overview of Busoni's recordings, plus audio of the surviving performances: patreon.com/posts/154531439

Ferruccio Busoni was born April 1, 1866. Remembered today as a composer & transcriber, he was among the most titanic pianists of his generation. No technology could properly capture the scope of his playing (or anyone's) but his 1922 discs still reveal superb pianism. Link below.

Three filmed conversations in which I discuss with my hosts some important pianists, recordings, and the nature of interpretation - and how some magical moments disappear while others are preserved: patreon.com/posts/154375324

Celebrating Egon Petri's 145th with a link to my feature for his 140th five years ago - including many superb studio and unofficial recordings - plus my notes and his Westminster recordings (on @EloqClassics) from 1956: patreon.com/posts/153845194

March 23 was the 145th anniversary of Egon Petri's birth. The Busoni disciple left us many hours of recordings, and while some studio accounts are a bit detached, the best of them - and his live recordings - feature some truly sky-opening pianism. Link in the comments.

Celebrating the great Austrian pianist and teacher Robert Goldsand with a 'new' 1946 broadcast, an early 78, a stunning live performance, and a truly fascinating interview (and some more live recordings): patreon.com/posts/153391947

March 17 was the 115th anniversary of Robert Goldsand's birth. A student of Liszt pupil Moriz Rosenthal & other fine musicians, Goldsand became an esteemed teacher and was a superb artist - always better in concert than on disc. Today, rare broadcasts, a 78, and an interview.

An overview about Robert Lortat that includes a link to my article in International Piano magazine @IP_mag plus audio of the superlative CD edition on APR - and a stunning private transfer of his world premiere cycle of Chopin Waltzes from 1931: patreon.com/posts/152907384

My latest column in International Piano magazine features Robert Lortat, whose Chopin Etudes & Waltz cycles predate Alfred Cortot's (the Waltzes a world premiere). Unavailable for over 6 decades, these readings are extraordinarily imaginative. Details & audio linked below.

An introduction to Harriet Cohen and some of her pioneering Bach recordings, plus a delightful 1962 interview - truly insightful: patreon.com/posts/152568870

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 below.

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: patreon.com/posts/152174143

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.

Today's birthday tribute to Dame Myra Hess, including a previously unpublished 1947 broadcast: patreon.com/posts/151659454

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.

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! patreon.com/posts/151020734

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.