Mindru Katz's Debut Album on the Pye label (recorded 1957, issued 1958)

Romanian pianist Mindru Katz's debut album on the Pye label, CCL 30111, which was recorded in 1957 but released in 1958, comprising works by Enescu, Ravel, Fauré, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, and Khatchaturian.

0:00 Enescu: Suite No.2 in D Major Op.10
24:07 Ravel: Ma mère l'oye, III: Laideronnette, impératrice des pagodes
27:09 Fauré: Nocturne No.6 in D-Flat Major Op.63
36:42 Prokofiev: Prélude in C Major Op.12 No.7
38:46 Shostakovich: Prelude in E-Flat Minor Op.24 No.14
41:07 Khachaturian: Toccata in E-Flat Minor

Katz was a pupil of the great Romanian teacher Florica Musicescu, who also taught Dinu Lipatti and Radu Lupu. He made a number of solo and concerto recordings for the Pye label (his Emperor Concerto can also be found on my channel) and toured internationally, settling in Israel around the time of this recording in 1959. He died on stage mid-performance in Istanbul on January 30, 1978 after suffering a heart attack while playing Beethoven's Tempest Sonata - he was 52 years old.

As Katz was born in Bucharest June 3, 1925, this year marks his centenary. Stay tuned for more uploads and a tribute page to the artist on my website.

His pianism is characterized by beauty of tone at all dynamic levels, impeccable phrasing, skillful balance of primary and secondary voicing, and subtle nuancing, all serving intelligent conceptions of the music that he is performing.

You can hear his recording of Beethoven's Emperor Concerto here:    • Mindru Katz plays Beethoven's 'Emperor' Co...  

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