Search - Various, John Ogdon Jascha Silberstein :: Jascha Silberstein. Live Performance, Volume 2

"Jascha Silberstein, Live Performances" is a series of Compact Discs comprising historic, previously unreleased recordings. Discerning music lovers can now enjoy the artistry of this unique and important ?cellist. All recordings have been digitally remastered with great care to preserve the sound quality inherent in the analog tape masters while improving listenability. Jascha Silberstein
Celebrated ?cellist, raconteur, and gourmet, Jascha Silberstein was born in Poland in 1934 and raised in Switzerland. His mother taught him the piano starting at age 4, and at 10 he made his first public appearance playing Bach's D-minor Concerto. Soon thereafter, a record by the great Gregor Piatigorsky so impressed the youngster that he demanded lessons on the ?cello. A virtuoso talent emerged, and the boy went on to study with ?cellist Hans Lofer (aka Rudolf Hindemith) and, later, with the renowned Czech violinist Vasa Prihoda?both formidable interpreters of Romantic music. Following worldwide tours and orchestral experience in Munich and Nurnberg, he moved to the U.S. in 1962 to teach at the University of Texas. He played with the Boston Symphony Orchestra before joining the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra as principal solo ?cellist?a position he held from 1966 until his retirement in 1996. Mr. Silberstein has recorded albums for London Records and the Musical Heritage Society. He performs on a 1720 Goffriller ?cello, an instrument formerly owned by both Emanuel Feuermann and Joseph Schuster. John Ogdon (1937-1989)
Considered one of the most gifted pianists of his generation, John Ogdon is best remembered for his masterful technique, great intellect, and exciting performances. His large physique belied a tender heart and delicate emotions. Possessing a formidable technical facility, he performed demanding works with ease and flair. Mr. Ogdon was born in Mansfield Woodhouse, England, and studied at the Royal Manchester College of Music. He made his London debut in 1958, playing the Busoni Concerto. He catapulted onto the world stage when, in 1961, he won the Liszt prize in Budapest, followed by first prize (jointly with Vladimir Ashkenazy) at the 1962 Moscow Tchaikovsky Competition. While his repertoire was wide, Mr. Ogdon was well known as a champion of 20th century British composers, such as Elgar and Tippett. He also brought attention to neglected scores from the late romantic period. He was an exponent of Alkan, Busoni, Rachmaninov, Scriabin, and Schoenberg; and his Liszt playing is said to be legendary. His premature death, caused by health problems, was a profound tragedy for the musical world.