The Piano Maven with Jed Distler

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomavenThe long awaited 21-CD box set “Andrei Gavrilov – The Complete Warner Classics Recordings” recently dropped, and Jed has been reconnecting with some of its contents, while discovering items that he missed when they first were released. Gavrilov could be both stunning and infuriating, and one never knew which side of his complex persona would turn up on each release. But to say that he was a virtuoso is like saying that Niagara Falls has water.Here are some audio excerpts from this collection:Rachmaninov: Prelude in B-flat Major Op. 23 No. 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSegyiHDr4wRavel: Concerto for the Left Hand - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uaj-YlmG0kChopin Etudes & Ballades - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRsCYJeh024&list=PLJULKzY28M2uQ6oKhoioP1gTOyeDp4PGd

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven Podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven Volume 69 in Naxos' slowly but surely growing complete Liszt piano works cycle introduces the fabulous Lisztian Michael Kaykov to the series with a collection of piano pieces based on choral works.Here's a link to the CD: https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9862444--liszt-complete-piano-music-vol-69?srsltid=AfmBOoql6erDpTuGvoYEcfWOJWFvOq1HAO5wuUdgRmwIimE47bqxWhTUHere's a link to Michael Kaykov's 2023 all-Liszt recital at Klavierhaus in NYC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muJLMFwG8CU

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomavenJed positively kvells over Behzod Abduraimov's latest solo release “Inferno,” which features works by Czerny, Liszt, Debussy and Stravinsky.Here's a link to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EskcWGtjK6E&list=OLAK5uy_lCKv3FweBlfLaPEAXazkGsmtt9JCBlDXs&index=2

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomavenJed listens to a four-CD release devoted to performances from the 2025 Queen Elisabeth Piano Competition featuring winners and laureates. (Order here: https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9781374--queen-elisabeth-competition-piano-2025?srsltid=AfmBOor6c3a50lT0B5sBekufIIPg1PZCz81lmnUD9hdJtrjb58UbH8Cz)There's a lot of good music making to savor…..Here are a few video links for performances included in this box:Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxsolOqudqIRachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDi0ZdLYclIMozart Piano Concerto No. 27 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I6e6v9mCMcBrahms Piano Concerto No. 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmeTysqpgIIPLUS an alternate performance of the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 not in the box that Jed prefers!!!! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q6DGZnRES4

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomavenReconnecting with Wilhelm Backhaus' 1954 recording of Beethoven's Diabelli Variations, Jed shares his recent thoughts about this vintage interpretation, for which we've provided a link to listen:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0ud7EwbPaY

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven Jed explores Meloclassic's deluxe 29 CD/1 DVD Walter Gieseking 130th Anniversary Edition, the largest collection of broadcast and concert recordings featuring the legendary pianist, with many items published for the first time.Link to purchase:https://www.meloclassic.com/home/walter-gieseking-edition/

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven In response to your feedback from the previous episode devoted to Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major K. 488, Jed talks about four recordings of K. 488 that he missed, all of which you recommended!Here are links to the performances:Solomon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKYmqFXqTZIGrigory Sokolov - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcUx6b1TUlEZoltan Kocsis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFSnhW-eRTEEva Poblocka - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnZg_47a9YI&t=1144s

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomavenMozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major K. 488 is one of the composer's most popular and beloved works in this genre, and has been quite lucky on disc. Jed surveys the K. 488 discography, singling out distinctive versions to consider. Here are links to hear some of these:Arthur Rubinstein (1949, Golschmann/St Louis) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwsJ5io1pt8Keith Jarrett - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ee3e0UTVc8I&list=PL44gxJwuwoabQLi7g9huA1zhqaAk77bYB&index=6Chick Corea - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoGZVZd4870&list=PLxzmL-cP6cVe6bywQAEOMgNjAY6319qAW&index=3Walter Gieseking - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6v9_wUDEFkVladimir Horowitz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vemFmTyo-tEHalina Czerny-Stefanska - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tYMwY1EzYgAnnie Fischer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMa_S5ZPxa4Rudolf Buchbinder - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTYFqkvYmcQMurray Perahia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSePVTW_OiUAndras Schiff - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oC69Em8_bI

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomavenSviatoslav Richter's 1960 American debut made musical headlines, chiefly for the series of five recitals he gave in quick succession at Carnegie Hall in October. The recitals were recorded and issued by Columbia Masterworks, yet went out of print almost as quickly as they appeared. For decades these discs were a kind of “holy grail” among piano mavens. In 1996 Jed wrote an article about this ill-fated series of recordings, which is the topic of today's episode.Here are links to several of the performances discussed:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7bu790QDd0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrrQXQMfcPc

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomavenJed discusses Beethoven's sometimes overlooked yet delightful Piano Sonata No. 10 in G Major Op. 14 No. 2, citing a wide variety of recordings to explore. Here are links to some of those recordings: Artur Schnabel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbYeVXQpAFoWilhelm Kempff (wartime 78s) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbX43nNleFcWilhelm Kempff (mono LP) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzvi5YP6IEsWilhelm Kempff (stereo LP) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiEuonaUw0gAlfred Brendel (Vox) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9DvXdtQ2FEAlfred Brendel (Philips analogue) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfk5JCk6mA0Stephen Kovacevich - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUXYVV_fbx8David Korevaar - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PINoBEvhdjMClaude Frank - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQi2YBCHucsYves Nat - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBcTUKNfOTw

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven Can we trust Artificial Intelligence to recommend piano recordings? Well, yes and no. Jed explains why on this first in a series of “Maven Chats.”

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven On this episode Jed discusses Warner Classics' box set edition of Italian piano legend Maria Tipo's complete EMI and Fonit Cetra recordings.Here are links to several cited examples:Bach Italian Concerto - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUweFba-MfMBeethoven Piano Sonata Op. 2 No. 3 Mvt. 4 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1mvD4vONvUChopin Nocturne Op. 9 No. 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zba5nlwcnYU

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomavenPianists occasionally record repertoire for which they are not immediately associated, or else they record works that one never would imagine hearing from these particular artists. On this episode, Jed explores examples of pianists “playing against type.”Here are links to recordings discussed:Glenn Gould: Chopin Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAHE8PTR8tEWilhelm Kempff: Faure Nocturne No. 6 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEar_UYFCeMRudolf Serkin: Chopin Etudes Op. 25 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYgpgEDw_08Alfred Brendel: Stravinsky Three Movements from Petrushka - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u17LyeUvLs8Wilhelm Backhaus: Moszkowski Caprice Espagnol - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmE-PF-fINAGeorges Cziffra: Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 23 (Appassionata”) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zSIn21gKHcWalter Gieseking: Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz5QAV_Ke88

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven Alicia de Larrocha's only recording produced especially for Columbia Masterworks featured three works of Maurice Ravel. It's never been reissued on CD outside of Japan. Jed discusses this fascinating and hard-to-source release on this episode. Here's a link to the music:Alborada del grazioso - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2upEuqpqA6MValses nobles et sentimentales (1969 Columbia) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPJG1msJufUValses nobles et sentimentales (1993 RCA) –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22Uzfa5Y4zM

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomavenJed discusses three of Emil Gilels' commercial recordings of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1; with links to the performances below:with Fritz Reiner/Chicago Symphony (1955) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJy-hKfHdfwwith Lorin Maazel/New Philharmonia Orchestra (1972) –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHl73cAsGhwwith Zubin Mehta/New York Philharmonic (1979) – (video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKh0czWT96cand(audio) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY4ql6BpkKI

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven The unique and iconic improvising pianist, composer and bandleader Cecil Taylor (1929-2018) is the subject of today's episode. Here are links to some of the recordings that Jed recommends:Conquistador (1966) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lq7liyDznkIndent (1973) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ_UYNRKvBQ&list=OLAK5uy_lD9tgOUv7eJXPcsAbhDfEavQdGrMtEuYcSpring of Two Blue-Jays (1973) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=405AX1gCSqUAkisakila (1973) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nvrszwugbs8Three Phases (1978) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRv8k9wOc_gGarden (1981) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyJk2wi4SPEThe “Feel” Trio (1990) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1XXbDUzBgs&list=PLfOs1ZtjYFMsEisE06b1lYd0eW2bmG7Te

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomavenJed recommends recordings for one of his favorite Mozart Piano Concertos, No. 17 in G Major K. 453.Here are links to some of the recordings discussed:Ernst von Dohnanyi - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSo5SKsSQ6sEdwin Fischer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYPFLlW9AaURudolf Serkin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQQeJuhxA_wPeter Serkin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x9VPtd2mcoMitsuko Uchida - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfb3wfVuNWoMurray Perahia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR_MBAupDcIAndrás Schiff - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCDBRFr1BI8Maria João Pires - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvVpObv8j3ULeif Ove Andsnes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3w65MG5vxkMalcolm Bilson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46DB8qZX1po

Here's a challenge - name a pianist who never made a bad recording.Jed comes up with five pianists who possibly qualify. Here are links to selected recordings by these five: Sergei Rachmaninov – Liszt Polonaise No. 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku5vyVticwADini Lipatti – Ravel Alborada del gracioso https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfypT_q6EUkIvan Moravec – Debussy Feux d'artifice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReXA2xlbq9M&list=OLAK5uy_kRuoBH-ae0Vld9umNkJVlV_Ghqbugp_WY&index=2Martha Argerich – Chopin Scherzo No. 3 in C-sharp Minor Op. 39 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c0s3X3gzd0Vladimir Ashkenazy – Liszt Feux Follets https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRh1Jk_2MskConsider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven On this episode, Jed talks about five notable Mozart pianists who brought divergent yet equally compelling approaches to this composer's keyboard works. Here are links to listen:Lili Kraus - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2doJV0FR8QWalter Gieseking (Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major K. 467) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4VP_2rr-OQRobert Levin (Piano Sonata No. 1 in C Major K. 279) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4v1msNPkyU&list=PLpBPcOvehC0kbct3EB1ziaeT5wsNukRvsRoberto Prosseda (Pianos Sonatas 13 through 18) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVfly6gG3ec&list=PLQ7td4BqY86XAc3tzqvMKpg80PyuMEfSjMieczyslaw Horszowski (Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major K. 453) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN2g2NO6pAo

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomavenJed talks about Piotr Anderszewski's Warner Classics release devoted to a probing selection of late Brahms piano pieces, while also exploring comparative performances of certain works. Here are links to several of the comparisons cited in this episode:Op. 118 No. 2 – Anderszewski - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpISuRuqylcOp. 118 No. 2 – Emanuel Ax - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLBwPu8tiPQOp. 116 No. 5 – Anderszewski - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2Kivfkxq_YOp. 116 No. 5 – Wilhelm Kempff - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMGg-IDhLYsOp. 116 No. 5 – Elena Kuschnerova - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3rg7wcUrvwOp. 117 No. 2 – Anderszewski - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7saFNzKdDjUOp. 117 No. 2 – Walter Gieseking - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdLeYOPHRkE

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomavenJed praises Boris Giltburg's recent Naxos release devoted to early piano pieces of Rachmaninov. Listen to the Nocturne No. 3 (1887) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_UzZmcZtZUAnd compare both Giltburg's earlier and new recordings of the Prelude in C-sharp Minor Op. 3 No. 2Earlier recording - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKMbiBuJtvwNew recording - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmuO2uC84Dk

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven Richard Strauss' youthful and irresistible Burleske for Piano and Orchestra is the topic for this episode, where Jed discusses key recordings from the 78 and mono LP era, as well as top recent releases and several historical documents.Here are links to some of the performances discussed:William Kapell 1948 broadcast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixCnmQ3Yu6YClaudio Arrau 1946 recording - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUjK8EeOBE0Byron Janis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCAZrVvn3cgRudolf Serkin (mono recording) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfgd8Y72p0MMarc-André Hamelin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpMFfs_RP44Martha Argerich - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do7ppwLTvP0Joseph Moog - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK4LC-dU1bAMalcolm Frager - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uOwazyJYVI

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomavenJed takes a deep dive into Deutsche Grammophon's Friedrich Gulda Edition, which encompasses 84 CDs devoted to the pianist's complete recordings for labels controlled by Universal Music, plus some bonus DVDs. Gulda was one of the 20th century's most fascinating, multi-talented, confrontational and boundary-breaking musicians, who embraced both classical and jazz idioms with equal fervency and commitment. How has this immense recorded legacy stood the test of time? Listen and find out!Here are links to selected recordings featured in the box:Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major (“Waldstein”) – first movement (Amadeo recording) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyjnWqxL2CQChopin: Preludes Op. 28 (live Deustche Grammophon recording) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRB23YrsTo4&list=PLnXTfjAd4PkepKFUVDOOSq_6XNxsJqqwgDebussy: Suite bergamasque - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XDi-UHyDKYGulda: Suite 1962 (jazz trio) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNUwT8Adf6I

Consider taking out a paid subscription to The Piano Maven podcast via our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven Morton Feldman's hypnotically absorbing Triadic Memories has fare well on disc, and to mark the composer's centenary, Jed explores several catalog options.Here are links to the recordings discussed:Roger Woodward - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM2_Vow5mms&list=PLbG9xmYd3shTK3wbQlBZaXI-_QNIsYP8aAki Takahashi - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3R8gU-BBnQStefan Schleiermacher - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvjXWa-pl30Marilyn Nonken (the opening of her Mode Records recording) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbhkaCvPl_wJohn Tilbury - https://www.ebay.com/itm/226501263349John Tilbury (live recording) - https://www.jtilbury.com/Sabine Liebner – (beginning) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b05nkvU-bFo; (conclusion) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3blAgt09ow0

If you search for piano recordings via downloading and streaming platforms, you may encounter the name Claudio Colombo, who has seemingly recorded everything ever written for the piano, and for the harpsichord as well. Or has he? Just what is this all about? Jed tries to find out for himself on this episode.Some examples:Clementi - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMAOTrCTYT4&list=PLjQOybcDkZBMDEqcph3Os-Tixbl4v4MxOBrahms - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmVCcXY0XbgSchubert for Clarinet and Piano - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWD-wdgtfGo&list=PL-fcrLIr4hrfEQyfBQld3JOzFtRqjQEgkMussorgsky for Flute and Piano - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EATbUF90yoBrahms Violin Sonata No. 1 "arranged" for Clarinet and Piano - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aE8UR7iQl3YConsider making a donation to The Piano Maven podcast by subscribing to our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven

Chopin's Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor Op. 58 may be the most frequently recorded among all of the Romantic piano sonatas, and Jed has his hands full on a lengthy episode that explores this work's rich discography. Here are links to several of the recordings discussed:Moriz Rosenthal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn4SmBSoG_IAlfred Cortot (1933 recording) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EWRIOvTK0wPercy Grainger (4th movement) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qW371IdjiANadia Reisenberg (1st movement) - https://open.spotify.com/track/6Tq1qt6U0KIRveEnf6Z2Z0Claudio Arrau - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1JousWsVYIWitold Malcuzynski (3rd & 4th movements) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC_XCvBfGrEMartha Argerich (4th movement DG) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMC3yToYuFAIsaac Mikhnovsky - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB-nzZs_ZwI&t=9sVan Cliburn (1st movement) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsWNx-0h298Bruce Hungerford (1st movement_ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvwHk1FeZMwBruno Leonardo-Gelber - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o841NQu6weg&t=563sRuth Slenczynska (4th movement) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsQC7vh5wOIJakob Kuszlik - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIFNr2f8fEsNelson Freire (1st movement, Columbia 1968) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15QCHMHhXW4Nelson Freire (1st movement, Decca 2002) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cg0loc9vIsNelson Freire (live 2016) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ-Crrv1J34&t=1160sNelson Freire (live 2002) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IVT9EaUbyI&t=1243s

A rebroadcast of Episode 20 from Season 1, where Jed discusses complete cycles of the Chopin Etudes on record. If you enjoy this rebroadcast, please consider making a donation to The Piano Maven podcast by subscribing to our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven Link to Jed's Gramophone Collection Chopin Etudes Survey: https://www.gramophone.co.uk/features/article/chopin-s-etudes-a-deep-dive-into-the-best-recordingsLinks to selected recordings:1. https://musicandarts.com/product/zayas-plays-chopin-12-a%C2%89tudes-op-10-12-a%C2%89tudes-op-25-trois-nouvelles-a%C2%89tudes-juana-zayas-pianist/2. https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9264484--cziffra-plays-chopin3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl-WVW02GBg4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4aeV1_Fhgc

A rebroadcast of Episode 23 from Season 2, where Jed discusses fifteen favorite recordings of Beethoven's last and largest piano work, the Variations on a Theme of Diabelli Op. 120.If you enjoy this special extended episode, please making a donation to The Piano Maven podcast by subscribing to our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomavenLink to Jed's 2015 Gramophone survey of the Diabellis on record: https://reader.exacteditions.com/issues/45340/page/118?term=distler%20diabelli Link to an LP transfer of Charles Rosen's recording: https://archive.org/details/01diabellivariations120A taste of Martino Tirimo's recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPxsk63yhWcA taste of Cecile Ouuset's recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rwwCou7OyADownload Olli Mustonen's recording: https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7934860--beethoven-diabelli-variations-op-120?srsltid=AfmBOoo9TGZRcrhgz5R5_dw1J1E-JUCosDoaSFnujaaabvWhaeN2djznPaul Baumgartner's recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATxBzzFNvSU

Consider making a donation to The Piano Maven podcast by subscribing to our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven Link to Yunchan Lim's Official Goldberg Variations Aria Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seYfmj3L2EA&list=RDseYfmj3L2EA&start_radio=1Other recordings mentioned in this episode:Lori Sims Promo Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOp_QE4-JYcKlara Wurtz (complete recording) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCae2ZDcfi8Alexandra Papastefanou (Variation 1) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duOTs7v9FaM&list=PL2TwZLoz4m4uJk9diP_73Mlnrvuq2I0ahMurray Perahia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBFRBWEuP0w&list=OLAK5uy_mUzRzgAFefvXjhs2oep2psqlNXVQltcK8

I;m launching a multi-episode discographical exploration of Messiaen's monumental piano cycle Vingt regards sur l'enfant Jésus, starting with four recordings dating from the late 60s through the late 80s. So sorry that I kept pronouncing the pianist's name "Jean Rudolphe," when it's obviously "Jean-Rodolphe." My apologies!!!!!Here are audio samples from the recordings under discussion:Michel Béroff - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvd2zGk11icPeter Serkin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlgD6cLyvj4Anton Batagov - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30qcHdxnDREJean-Rodolphe Kars - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8Vk7uRR0_Q&list=PLT7y1WItbPC5kkvWEj0wnAACsYsPzBYwg

Consider making a donation to The Piano Maven podcast by subscribing to our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven Here are recommendations for three recent releases devoted to the Five Beethoven Piano Concertos:Inon Barnatan – Concerto No. 1 Third Movement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jfAI0ZRGcsGarrick Ohlsson – Concerto No. 5 First Movement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=729a99oqRBw&list=PL44gxJwuwoaZWuiR72s4g7Xj6gEHxA2HB&index=13Haochen Zhang – Concerto No. 4 Second Movement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb9VEL3poPY&list=PLuUMeVsvQwwF0mDUPSEZlbRsC_5iZDGkB&index=13

Jed talks about Krystian Zimerman's Deutsche Grammophon recordings of Schubert's Piano Sonatas in A Major D. 959 and B-Flat Major D. 960Links to selected movements are here:D. 959 – II. Allegretto - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fubKC4TNi2g&list=PLsUQ1iTYBB1W0lEePuydi5ytSzbgscj3k&index=2D. 960 – IV. Allegro ma non troppo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8WNaFz_F0UConsider making a donation to The Piano Maven podcast by subscribing to our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven

Consider making a donation to The Piano Maven podcast by subscribing to our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomavenJed talks about Ingrid Fliter's first volume of Chopin Mazurkas on the Outhere label. Here's a link to her performance of the C Major Mazurka Op. 24 No. 2:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujQ_TktdZeA

Consider making a donation to The Piano Maven podcast by subscribing to our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven This episode focuses upon seven highly distinctive all-Liszt recitals that surely will enhance any piano collection. Here are links to sample selections:1. Claudio Arrau - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nMR83ly5GU2. Minoru Nojima - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3SoQ5-LCLI&list=PLrpUfzCDMUy106Wd9zufyedpnTFTXBt7u3. Sandrine Erdely-Sayo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpYnmxKTBJA4. Earl Wild - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jvo8lJ1GOdA5. Arnaldo Cohen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFmsjoKSU0k6. Jean-Efflam Bavouzet - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLoNn-I5JJg7. Vladimir Ashkenazy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX0vjDUPF_k

Jed discusses a terrific all-Schubert release from the Prague Piano Duo. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_yu59RaaAY&list=OLAK5uy_nbCOUfqIFHKJwhOEzQaxNWFor_PIZM7nwBandcamp link: https://praguepianoduo.bandcamp.com/

Welcome to our second episode of Season Three.Consider making a donation to The Piano Maven podcast by subscribing to our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven A listener asked me about Sviatoslav Richter's August 26th 1977 Salzburg Festival recital issued on the Orfeo label. I hadn't heard this disc in a while, so I decided to revisit it. Here's a link to the music:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0_PSRycUck&list=PLFer8UZgtB8JaLO0P43YDjLAfeB9sFqv6

Welcome to our first episode of Season Three! Consider making a donation to The Piano Maven podcast by subscribing to our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven Chopin's Barcarolle is the topic of this episode, where Jed recommends some of his long-time favorite recordings. Here are links to recordings discussed: Alfred Cortot – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNhHWqVvPrgBenno Moiseiwitsch - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sEf08rtl8oWalter Gieseking - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEXhUzGEwj8Wilhelm Kempff - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMLjXQslVQcDinu Lipatti - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG5nREXB3agVladimir Horowitz (1957) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhzN8lSvitsVladimir Horowitz (1980) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a79dAwTMWvUIvan Moravec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJk9J-KAI-cMurray Perahia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIwC-Qire0wKrystian Zimerman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cv7diE0ZMcRichard Goode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL7bM0DYjikBenjamin Grosvenor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-R0YOlZdRoRoland Pöntinen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQKgok39lKkArthur Rubinstein (1964) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hTIzGlfOJ0

"Vladimir Horowitz Plays Great Sonatas" is culled from the legendary virtuoso's Columbia Masterworks and RCA Victor catalogs, and features selections ranging from the Baroque era to mid-20th century works that are strongly identified with the pianist. Although most of the performances can easily be sourced outside of this collection, piano mavens still will want to know about this ten-disc set, which can be obtained from second-hand dealers: https://www.amazon.com/Vladimir-Horowitz-Plays-Great-Sonata/dp/B0056K4V2M

A look back at the Winter 1999 issue of International Piano Quarterly (now International Piano), when twelve critics were asked to pick their top piano releases for 1998, as well as to mention recordings they'd like to see reissued. How many of these reissue requests came to pass over the next 27 years? And have their 1998 top release choices stood the test of time?Here are links to some of the recordings discussed:The William Kapell Edition - https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8079691--william-kapell-editionMedtner – Complete Piano Sonatas, with Marc-André Hamelin - https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7945019--medtner-the-complete-piano-sonatasMonique de La Bruchollerie box from Meloclassic - https://www.meloclassic.com/home/monique-de-la-bruchollerie-box/Benno Moiseiwitsch is amply represented in Naxos' Great Pianists' series - https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7948359--great-pianists-moiseiwitsch-2Lukas Foss plays Bach Concertos Nos. 1 & 5 (LP transfer) - https://archive.org/details/lp_concerto-no-1-in-d-minor-concerto-no-5-in_johann-sebastian-bach-lukas-foss-the-zimblInternational Tchaikovsky Competition Vol. 1 – Vladimir Ashkenazy & John Ogdon - https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8253856--tchaikovsky-competition-vol-1-1962-the-competition-that-was-a-draw

An adventurous six-CD box set containing original piano works by Beethoven, plus chamber and orchestral repertoire in rare solo piano transcriptions, all brilliantly served up by Cyprien Katsaris.Link to the recordings: https://www.amazon.com/Chronological-Odyssey-Cyprien-Katsaris/dp/B081WQS75L

Here's a rebroadcast of Season Two Episode 60:Jed discusses four out-of-print piano box sets that are ripe for reissue:Milosz Magin plays Chopin (Accord, 10 CDs). A link to his Etudes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzArJYgJqdEAnnerose Schmidt plays Mozart's Complete Piano Concertos (Berlin Classics, 10 CDs). Link to purchase - https://www.amazon.com/Mozart-Piano-Concertos-Wolfgang-Amadeus/dp/B0036ULAY6France Clidat plays Liszt (Decca, 14 CDs). Link to listen to Hungarian Rhapsodies No.s 1-10 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afo2NTiZz2YRaymond Trouard: Une vie pour le piano (Sony Classical, 11 CDs). Links to purchase - https://www.ebay.com/itm/115569835636, https://www.amazon.com/Raymond-Trouard-Une-Pour-Piano/dp/B0017YZIIW. Link to Grieg Concerto - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGVYdTY_uxM

Jed discusses Claudio Arrau: The Ambassador Auditorium Recitals, Pasadena, California, USA, 1977, 1981 and 1986 - a five CD set containing previously unpublished performances by one of the 20th century's most singular pianists. For more information, visit First Hand's website: https://firsthandrecords.com/products-page/album/claudio-arrau-the-ambassador-auditorium-recitals-pasadena-california-usa-1977-1982-1986-5cd/

Here is yet another list of ten piano box sets that Jed would like to see released in the future, although whether or not his wish will come true is an open question! Pianists discussed include Gina Bachauer, Tamas Vasary, Rafael Orozco, Bruce Hungerford, Rudolf Firkusny, Sequeira Costas, Cyprien Katsaris and a special edition of piano recordings issued in the 1950s by the American M-G-M label.Links to earlier Box Set Wish List episodes:https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven/1789163/https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven/2027603/Link to “Ripe for Reissue” Box Set Episode:https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven/2029278/

Jed talks about recordings of Rachmaninov's Four Concertos and Paganini Rhapsody that fall “under the radar" according to him, yet have great value and interest. Here are links to the pianists and their interpretations:Concerto No. 1: Tamas Vasary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRvbD20edYU&list=PLyrANGPNARULY0PWEc0R3HuZNfRP2oD9L&index=1Concerto No. 2: Julius Katchen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_Evhp3hO1U&list=PLJhYe4hsVJRdwFJnYM10LPS21E4A21ZVB&index=3Concerto No. 3: Mirka Pokorná - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3wBB_v5fskConcerto No. 4: Idil Biret - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4ya80wfAbgPaganini Rhapsody: Yevgeny Sudbin (live performance) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxiiWDxo1JQ

By request, a rebroadcast of 2024's Thanksgiving "Turkeys" episode! Here are some genuine piano "turkeys" to consider, or perhaps to avoid, with links below:For Valery Afanassiev's Beethoven, check out Victor Carr, Jr.'s review: https://www.classicstoday.com/review/review-11451/. For commentary about Rita Bouboulidi's Beethoven Sonata cycle, visit this link: https://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?topic=23626.0

Jed discusses Arcadi Volodos' 2009 Vienna Recital released by Sony Classical, one of this pianist's finest recordings:Excerpts:Scriabin Prelude Op. 11 No. 16: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m0hFO3yvyALiszt Dante Sonata: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZYJvX8Ruck

Jed recommends documentaries about legendary American pianists Malcolm Frager and John Browning. Link to watch Malcolm Frager: American Pianist - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q-cx_lJNWcLink to watch Memories of John Browning - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_tqt112TlE

Jed recommends individual recordings for each one of Debussy's twelve Preludes Book I, picking twelve pianists without repeating a pianist. Here are links to listen to, to download, to stream or to purchase these performances:No. 1 Catherine Kautsky - https://music.apple.com/us/album/debussy-pr%C3%A9ludes-for-piano/905973751No. 2 Philippe Cassard - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHIwKlPewVgNo. 3 Alfred Cortot – (1931 recording) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZVy_6T86bINo 4 Catherine Collard - https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9592584--debussy-preludes-books-1-2?srsltid=AfmBOoqOKz2MWmGhobWiohTCz2e6tCSL7x7cUJlV3vlSd8xq6bEMnzjZNo 5 Livia Rev - https://www.ebay.com/itm/402637135496?hash=item5dbf0b1e88:g:RzcAAOSw3KZdGgswNo. 6 Ivan Moravec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoGAZxklQJINo. 7 Pascal Roge - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgxsWjzaZ60No. 8 Jean-Yves Thibaudet - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0e1bJ0gVV0No. 9 Nelson Freire - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGP98I9pmvcNo. 10 Claudio Arrau - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-Shy_JWQ8kNo. 11 Steven Spooner - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icu2ROCvUt8No. 12 Henriette Faure - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyrIhbiLGIc&t=6s

Jed discusses Jorge Bolet's August 4th 1964 Tangelwood recital, which featured a stunning performance of Liszt's Twelve Transcendental Etudes. Here's a link to hear the recital:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvJo1ciAq3M&t=2021sConsider making a donation to The Piano Maven podcast by subscribing to our Substack page (https://jeddistlermusic.substack.com/about), which you also can access by clicking on the "Donate" button here: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven

Jed recommends Paolo Bordoni's delightful survey of each and every Waltz that Schubert composed for solo piano, once available from EMIHere's a link to the pianist's rare EMI recording of Schubert's "Unfinished" Sonata in C Major D. 840:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bXlwC8Lf68

Jed discusses Czech pianist Stanislav Knor (1929-1984) and his early 1960s recording of the Chopin Scherzos, available to download here:https://archive.org/details/fbgsfAnd here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdSRZ_yOL7E&t=1890s