Mark Ainley – The Piano Files

Clara Sansoni

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / 10 Comments / February 10, 2026

Clara Sansoni with Isaac Albéniz As has been explored in a number of my features on great pianists, not all supreme artists left behind commercial recordings. While a contract to make records was often a sign

Josef Hofmann at 150

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / No Comments / January 20, 2026

The legendary Polish pianist Josef Hofmann (Józef Kazimierz Hofmann) was born January 20, 1876, making 2026 the 150th anniversary of his birth. Hofmann was one of the most fascinating pianists in recorded history, not only

Beyond the Myths: The Evolving Legacy of Dinu Lipatti

by Mark Ainley / Uncategorized / No Comments / December 2, 2025

With 2025 being the 75th anniversary of the death of Dinu Lipatti, my colleagues in Romania have prepared a new tribute book to the pianist, for which I was invited to contribute a chapter. As

Mieczysław Münz at 125

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / No Comments / October 31, 2025

It is tragic that many great pianists never had the career that their artistry warranted. For some it was management, for others luck, and yet for others, there is the sad reality of medical issues

Celebrating Peter Frankl at 90

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / No Comments / October 2, 2025

Hungarian pianist Peter Frankl celebrates his 90th birthday on October 2, 2025. The distinguished artist was a student of a number of important pedagogues, two key figures in his studies at the Franz Liszt Academy

John Ogdon: The Argo Years

by Mark Ainley / CD Liner Notes / Feature / Recordings / No Comments / August 8, 2025

I was delighted to be commissioned to produce the text for yet another incredible release on the superb Eloquence label, one featuring John Ogdon’s recordings on the Argo label. These performances were captured at a

The Piano Files at 16

by Mark Ainley / Uncategorized / 2 Comments / July 8, 2025

For the 16th anniversary of my Facebook page The Piano Files with Mark Ainley on July 9 this year, I thought I would create a post with some of what I’ve shared over the course

Ricardo Viñes at 150

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / No Comments / June 22, 2025

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Catalan musician Ricardo Viñes, who was born Ricardo Viñes y Roda on February 5, 1875. The great pianist has largely been forgotten today since he

Reflections with Gerald Kingsley: Fischer, Medtner, and Interpretation

by Mark Ainley / Uncategorized / No Comments / June 21, 2025

On a 2018 visit to London, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to a pupil of Edwin Fischer, one Gerald Kingsley, by my longtime friend and colleague (of some 30 years!) Roger Smithson, who

Celebrating Ruth Slenczynska at 100

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / 2 Comments / January 15, 2025

Ruth Slenczynska was born on January 15, 1925 and she is celebrating her 100th birthday on the day this page is being published. The American-born pianist has the distinction of having had lessons with a

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