Recital of Vladimir Ashkenazy

Firma Melodiya presents the recital of Vladimir Ashkenazy that took place on 9 June 1963 at the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. quot;It is rare to find, in the same artist, the very highest level of musical talent living alongside the deepest genuine humility. None has that rare combination in higher degree than Vladimir Ashkenazyquot;, wrote a Gramophone reviewer. Fifty-five years ago, the young pianist went to the West and decided not to return to the USSR. Already in the 1970s, he had a reputation of one of the world's best pianists with an uncommonly extensive repertoire. However, the studio and live recordings made by the pianist during the Soviet period are indicative of his pronounced, individual style he showcased from the first steps of his career. By the early 1960s, he had become a genuine mature master, who did not sound pale against the background of the greatest piano performers of the time. The programme of Vladimir Ashkenazy's one of the last recitals in Moscow (he already owned the second prize of the Chopin International Competition, the Grand Prix of the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels and the 2nd International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow) included Beethoven's Sonatas Nos 17 and 18, Chopin's four ballades and Debussy's pieces. The recital has not been previously released in it's entirety. Today, Melodiya revives one of the brightest pages of the outstanding pianist's career.