A while back I picked up Youri Egorov's EMI twofer of solo Schumann works and was wowed. Here's a great pianist whose recordings are out of the catalog unfairly I thought. I wanted more, specifically his Debussy. Alas, that twofer sells for obscene prices. But EMI has reissued all of his recordings and I now have the box. I shall begin listening promptly. Just an idea for those interested in hearing fine, recent pianism. It was a real loss when he died so young.

(I will say that the sound isn't the greatest on the Schumann - early digital and all that.)


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I had a few of these recordings when first issued on LP, and he was indeed a superb player. I too may have to pick this one up.

I remember a Chopin Lp from the early 80's. Fantastic pianist. Rich colorful piano tone, great imagination (like players don't have anymore.) In a word,,,. fun, inspiring.


Funny how all the best Soviet artists always emigrated to the West. This is one I won't pass up and it's not likely to be around long.


Don't know why he didn't record more, although I assume he had health issues throughout his life. I'd heard that he was also addicted to heroin, though googling didn't bring up anything on this topic. An artist for the ages...


Noyes

quote:

Originally posted by Noye's Fludde:
like players don't have anymore.

That's a bit unfair. Players like Kemal Gekic, Grigory Sokolov (though I'm not big on him), or Jean Efflam Bavouzet, among others, play with characterful imagination. It's not as prominent as decades ago I suppose, but it can still be found.

quote:

Originally posted by Noye's Fludde:
Funny how all the best Soviet artists always emigrated to the West.

Excluding Sofronitsky of course.


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Todd, I picked up the Egorov box. Please post your comments on it after you work through it.

Richter and Gilels didn't emigrate, did they? And Maria Yudina, didn't. She kept telling Stalin to piss off, but he liked her playing so much he left her alone....of course, most of these older artists had no realistic chance to leave, unlike today......

quote:

Originally posted by Oldnslow:
Please post your comments on it after you work through it.

I'm almost through the whole set, and will comment briefly on it when done. A teaser: it's good stuff.


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