Feature – 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

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

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

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

Josef Lhévinne at 150

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / No Comments / December 13, 2024

When I first started collecting records, Harold C Schonberg’s book The Great Pianists was my training manual. I dutifully read through it (more than once), making a list of names of pianists he recommended and

Marguerite Long at 150

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / No Comments / November 13, 2024

The French pianist and pedagogue Marguerite Long was born on November 13, 1874. Over the course of her 91 years, she would become among the most prominent pianists and teachers of her generation. Long’s elder sister

Notes for Piano Library: Westminster & American Decca on Eloquence

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / No Comments / November 11, 2024

I was delighted to be asked to write the booklet text for yet another superb release on the magnificent Eloquence label: a 21-CD set featuring an array of 1950s & 60s recordings by a range

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