Shura Cherkassky (1909–1995) was a classical pianist renowned for his charismatic performances and exceptional technique. Born in Ukraine, Cherkassky moved to the United States with his family following the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. His musical talent was evident from a young age, and he was already giving public performances by the time he was eight. Cherkassky’s development as an artist was shaped under the tutelage of renowned pianist and pedagogue Josef Hofmann at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

Over the decades, Cherkassky built an illustrious international career, becoming one of the last great Romantic pianists. He was admired for his interpretations of a vast repertoire that ranged from the baroque to the contemporary, although he had a special affinity for the works of Frédéric Chopin and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Cherkassky never confined himself to the studio, preferring the spontaneity and thrill of live performance. This choice was reflected in his extensive touring schedule and numerous live recordings, which have been celebrated posthumously in series like "Milestones of a Piano Legend". His legacy persists through these recordings, as well as those made during the peak of his career like "The complete 78rpm recordings 1923 - 1950", providing a window into the artistry of one of the twentieth century’s piano virtuosos.

Genres

Historic Piano Performance

Ukrainian Classical Piano

Related Artists

Vladimir Horowitz

Sergei Rachmaninoff

Arthur Rubinstein

Emil Gilels

Sviatoslav Richter

Glenn Gould

Claudio Arrau

Martha Argerich

Murray Perahia

Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli

Daniel Barenboim

Leonard Bernstein

Latest Release

The Ambassador Auditorium Recitals, 1981–1989 (Remastered 2024) [Live]

Shura Cherkassky

Album - 66 Tracks - Released November 15, 2024