Description
Emil Gilels is regarded by many as one of the most significant pianists of the twentieth century and is universally admired for his superb technical control and burnished tone. This BBC recording in stereo of his 1979 Abbotsholme recital features the Russian pianist in unusual and seldom-performed repertoire such as Schumann’s Four Klavierstücke, the Brahms Ballades, Chopin’s Polonaise No.2 and Sonata No.3, works he performed only a handful of times in the later stages of his career. This is an exceptionally rare CD and presents the great Russian pianist at his best in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. A beautifully played encore – Mozart’s D minor Fantasy K397 – completes this well-filled 80+ minute-disc.