Schumann, Robert - Papillons - Richter, Sviatoslav (piano)
Sviatoslav Richter, piano
English Chamber Orchestra / Benjamin Britten
Recorded at Royal Festival Hall, London, 27 January 1963, Blythburgh Church, Aldeburgh Festival, 16 June 1965 and Parish Church, Aldeburgh Festival, 20 June 1964
The great Russian pianist Sviatoslav Richter (1915-1997) is presented here performing works by two composers who were associated with him all his life, one of which he performs with his friend and conductor Benjamin Britten. This CD brings the total number of Richter's live broadcasts on BBC Legends to 10, all of which have received rave reviews.
Schumann's Papillons was only recorded twice by Richter, commercially by EMI in Italy, October 1962 and by the BBC broadcast three months later, an even finer performance sourced from the BBC archive.
Schumann's Introduction & Allegro is new to Richter's discography.
Richter was famed for his Schumann as was Britten who regularly invited Richter to Aldeburgh for recitals, concertos etc. They collaborate wonderfully well in this delightful piece which was sourced from the BBC archive and features the English Chamber Orchestra.
Schubert's Piano Sonata D960 was a favourite of Richter's. It has only been available on pirated CDs to date which makes the BBC version official and furthermore, far superior in sound to the others.
All recordings are new to the official Richter discography.
The last BBC Legends Richter title, BBCL41462, received outstanding reviews:
"...this is a staggering disc, the sort that justifies the "legends" tag and makes you wish you had been at any of the three concerts from which this programme is taken.... extraordinary performances." (Gramophone)