Sviatoslav Richter (1915–1997) was a Soviet pianist of unmatched renown, known for his depth of interpretation, virtuoso technique, and vast repertoire, spanning from the Baroque to the contemporary. Born in Zhytomyr, Ukraine, Richter taught himself to play piano and gave his first concert at the age of 19, before going on to study at the Moscow Conservatory with Heinrich Neuhaus, a respected pedagogue who proclaimed Richter to be a genius.

Throughout his illustrious career, Richter preferred live performances over studio recordings, believing the spontaneity and energy of concerts created a more authentic connection with the audience. He toured extensively and was recognized for his interpretations of a wide range of composers, from Bach to Prokofiev. Despite his aversion to recording, an ample collection of live recordings exist that testify to his extraordinary capabilities and profound musicality. These include landmark performances of Beethoven's sonatas, Rachmaninoff's concertos, and a wealth of works by Schubert, Schumann, and Prokofiev. Even after his passing, Richter's legacy continues through reissues and remastered releases, ensuring new generations can experience the captivating artistry of one of the 20th century's piano masters.

Genres

Classical

Classical Performance

Classical Piano

Russian Classical Piano

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Latest Release

Musical studies vol.1 (Remastered 2020)

Frédéric Chopin•

Sviatoslav Richter

Album - 9 Tracks - Released October 23, 2024