Feature – Page 2 – The Piano Files

Alexander Sienkiewicz’s World Premiere Scriabin Recordings

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / 2 Comments / December 29, 2022

Every composition recorded has its first recording, and it can be fascinating to explore early accounts of some of the repertoire that has since become mainstream, particularly when the music was set down when it

Henri Gil-Marchex at 130

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / No Comments / December 16, 2022

Not all pianists of distinction left behind significant recorded legacies, which can adversely impact the degree to which their importance is recognized today. One such artist was the French musician Henri Gil-Marchex, a fascinating individual

Remembering Monique de La Bruchollerie

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / 1 Comment / December 15, 2022

December 15, 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of French pianist Monique de La Bruchollerie, who passed away in Paris at the age of 57 on December 15, 1972. I remember very clearly when

Gina Bachauer: The Mercury Masters

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / No Comments / December 8, 2022

I was delighted to be commissioned to write the notes for the Eloquence label’s fantastic historical release of Gina Bachauer’s fabled Mercury recordings. Here is an extended version of the notes that I submitted for

Noel Mewton-Wood at 100

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / 3 Comments / November 20, 2022

Had fate decided otherwise, the many young pianists who died in the 1950s would have been the headliners of their generation. As it stands, these artists continue to command attention, albeit largely with their tragic

Behind The Microphone: Anthony Griffith

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / No Comments / October 20, 2022

Producer Walter Legge (standing) and Anthony Griffith With all the focus we can give the great musicians who left us recorded examples of their artistry, it is easy to overlook those working behind the scenes. While

Agnelle Bundervoët at 100

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / 2 Comments / October 12, 2022

Among the amazing French pianists who were regrettably long overlooked but are fortunately enjoying a posthumous revival today is the fabled Agnelle Bundervoët (pronounced ‘Bunder-wet’). The Lazare-Lévy pupil produced a handful of recordings in the

William Kapell at 100

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / 3 Comments / September 20, 2022

The 1950s saw some of the most promising young classical musicians die prematurely, seeming to wipe out a new generation of leading interpreters: among those lost are Ginette Neveu (in 1949), Rosa Tamarkina, Dinu Lipatti,

Carl Friedberg at 150

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / 2 Comments / September 18, 2022

Among the most remarkable aspects of recorded history is the capacity to hear both composers and those who were associated with them play some of the most beloved music ever written. It is particularly insightful

Solomon at 120

by Mark Ainley / Feature / Recordings / No Comments / August 9, 2022

The British pianist Solomon Cutner (primarily known just as Solomon) was born August 9, 1902, making this his 120th birthday. While I have long planned a comprehensive page with detailed biographical material, this anniversary caught

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