[ Brilliant Classics Historic Russian Archive Edition / 3 CD Box Set ]
Release Date: Saturday 1 October 2011
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Emil Gilels belongs to a select group of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. Born in Odessa in 1916, he began his studies at the age of 5, and gave his first public recital at the age of 13.
Odessa and Moscow Conservatories followed, and unusually in 1936 he was allowed to perform outside the Soviet Union. His American debut was delayed by World War II, finally taking place in 1955 to great acclaim. His Uk debut took place in 1953. Gilels gave the premiere of Prokofiev's 8th Sonata, of which he is the dedicatee.
Harold C Schonberg described Gilels as 'a strong, clear player, rather objective in outlook, who did not allow himself to become emotionally overthrown by the music': an approach which is ideally suited to Beethoven's concertos as can be heard on these CDs.
Piano Concertos Nos. 1-5 (complete)
Piano Sonata No. 12 in A flat major, Op. 26 'March Funebre'
Piano Sonata No. 16 in G major, Op. 31 No. 1