Benno Moiseiwitsch in recital: two encores (unpublished 1961 performances)

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Two encores from Benno Moiseiwitsch's February 8, 1961 New York recital: Debussy's La fille au cheveux de lin and Chopin's Minute Waltz.

While various excerpts of this performance have been published, these two encores have not, nor was his traversal of Chopin's Preludes officially released - that is now available on my channel at    • Benno Moiseiwitsch plays Chopin's Preludes...  

Moiseiwitsch was somewhat past his prime at the time of this concert - another encore of Moszkowski's La Jongleuse was not included in this upload as the pianist's dexterity was too taxed in the performance and it doesn't do him justice. However, the two readings presented here are absolutely superb, played with the charm and refinement for which Moiseiwitsch was and still is celebrated.

The Debussy work is of particular interest as it is completely new to his discography, and it features lyrical phrasing and beautiful tonal colours that are appreciable despite this tape source being unmastered. The Chopin Waltz is wonderfully played with Moiseiwitsch's inimitable grace and elegance, with sumptuous tone, clear voicing, and impressive fingerwork, as well as a few personal touches.