Last month I gave a max-capacity presentation at the Vancouver Public Library, thanks to sponsorship from the Vancouver Recital Society @vanrecital.bsky.social and Muzewest Concerts Society. The presentation is now online & shared in the linked post, along with some backstory to the event.
Evlyn Howard-Jones has been unjustly forgotten over the decades; APR fortunately released his complete 78s for the first time 5 years ago. Eight Bach Preludes & Fugues set down in 1930 are among the most beautiful I've ever heard. Details & these gorgeous recordings are linked below.
Marcelle Meyer was a marvel, excelling at all she played, from the earliest keyboard music to the latest works by composers she knew (Ravel, Debussy, Satie, Stravinsky, and other legends). Her 1940s-50s discs of Bach, Scarlatti, & Rameau are stupefying - shared here with background; check comments.
Michel Block was one of those pianists whose playing has been revered by his colleagues & pianophiles. Arthur Rubinstein created a special prize to recognize him at the 1960 Chopin Competition when his fellow jurors didn't place him highly. You can hear why: check the link!
Franz Josef Hirt was an amazing Swiss pianist who made about 2 hours of 78s in the 20s & 30s but no later official recordings despite living until 1985. He played with legendary conductors & was admired by great composers as well. Quite an artist; check the recordings in the link!
The Piano Files
An overview of Michel Block's pianism and three stunning recorded performances:
www.patreon.com/thepianofile...
Stunning playing by Marcelle Meyer in a complete Rameau cycle plus marvellous performances of Bach and Scarlatti:
www.patreon.com/posts/160458...
British pianist Evlyn Howard-Jones never had an LP devoted to his 78s yet produced some superb recordings (just enough for a single CD). Details and his superb 1930 Bach recordings, plus a couple more in a tribute:
www.patreon.com/posts/159777...
Some backstory to the linked presentation about Great Pianists of The Past and the unanticipated demand for seats to the event. I'm delighted it's online but there's something special about sharing space listening to these great artists with 200+ people!
www.patreon.com/posts/159062...
An overview of Franz Josef Hirt, along with some of his 1927-28 recordings on 78s plus 2 unofficial live recordings from 1962:
www.patreon.com/posts/158229...
The Piano Files
The Piano Files
The Piano Files
The Piano Files
The Piano Files
The Piano Files
The Piano Files
The Piano Files
The Piano Files
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Marcelle Meyer plays Baroque Music by The Piano Files on Patreon. Join The Piano Files's community for exclusive content and updates.
Celebrating Michel Block: Beethoven, Schumann & Ravel by The Piano Files on Patreon. Join The Piano Files's community for exclusive content and updates.
