William Kapell was an American classical pianist renowned for his passionate performances and technical proficiency. Born on September 20, 1922, in New York, Kapell showed musical promise from a young age. He studied at the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music before embarking on a career that saw him perform with major orchestras and record a series of acclaimed albums. His interpretations of 20th-century Russian composers, like Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev, were particularly celebrated, and his performances of these works are still regarded as some of the finest of that era. Kapell's recording of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concertos Nos. 2 and 3 remains one of his most celebrated contributions to the classical music discography.

Tragically, Kapell's life and burgeoning career were cut short when he perished in a plane crash on October 29, 1953, at the age of 31. Despite his brief career, he left a considerable legacy through his recordings that continue to inspire pianists and captivate audiences. Kapell's dedication to his craft is evident in the lasting impact of his performances and recordings, leading to posthumous releases such as "Kapell reDiscovered" and the comprehensive "William Kapell Edition," which showcase his mastery of a range of composers from Bach and Beethoven to Debussy and Khachaturian. His intensity and precision at the keyboard ensure his place among the great pianists of the 20th century.

Genres

American Classical Piano

Historic Piano Performance

Latest Release

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3

Sergei Rachmaninoff•

William Kapell

Ep - 6 Tracks - Released October 1, 2021