The Piano Files

Stephen Kovacevich died on October 27, ten days after his 86th birthday. His first teacher Lev Shorr also trained Leon Fleisher & Hephzibah Menuhin, and he then went on to study with the iconic Myra Hess. Two superb recordings & an insightful interview linked in today's tribute.

Maurice Cole's life spanned recording technology from cylinders to digital audio, and he produced a significant number of 78s & LPs, very few of them available since their original publication. Today, his early 1960s Well-Tempered Clavier (on a Bechstein) - link in the comments.

October 12 was the anniversary of the birth in 1922 of French pianist Agnelle Bundervoët, a Lazare-Lévy pupil who recorded 4 LPs in 1950s France before rheumatoid arthritis prematurely ended her concert career. Check link for bio details and some LP & radio broadcast recordings.

October 6 this year is the 140th anniversary of the birth of Edwin Fischer, most known for his marvellous accounts of Bach. He made the world premiere recording of the Well-Tempered Clavier and recorded a great deal. That cycle and other fantastic recordings linked in comments.

Celebrating Vladimir Horowitz 123 years after his birth with some stunning performances that showcase his incredible electricity and tonal colour: a 1934 Copenhagen broadcast of Tchaikovsky, a 1942 RCA disc of Saint-Saëns-Liszt-Horowitz, and a 1949 live account of Debussy. Magic!

Born September 18, 1872, Carl Friedberg trained with Clara Schumann & then coached with Brahms on how to play his complete piano music. He lived into the 1950s and recordings of his lessons & recitals (plus just one official disc) offer stunning insights! Check comments for link!

Dinu Lipatti played his last recital 76 years ago in Besançon, France. The event was recorded (not broadcast live because of his ill health) and eventually released - most of it; some mysteries remain. Today, my detailed notes about the event, the recording, and more. Link below.

Dutch pianist-composer Dirk Schäfer is virtually forgotten today, but 100 years ago (in 1924 & 26) he produced a very impressive series of recordings that have rarely been available since. An exploration of his life and art - and the recordings - is linked in the comments thread.

September 5 this year is Valerie Tryon's 92nd birthday. The British-Canadian pianist continues to perform (and look decades younger than she is - this is a recent photo). Linked today is a tribute that includes several studio & live recordings, and a 90th birthday interview.

August 29 this year was the 103rd anniversary of Raymond Lewenthal's birth. The American pianist never got the recognition his artistry warranted (he was a hit in the UK but not at home), yet his studio & live recordings reveal truly top-tier pianism. Check the link to explore!