Above is the Camden release cover to my Victrola reissue. This is a recital by the great Russian-American pianist, Josef Lhevinne. These recordings date between 1928 and 1935 and capture the pianist during his final decade on God's Green Earth.
Josef Lhevinne was a genius. Regarded as maybe the greatest technical player of his day, he is above known for his devotion to teaching at his beloved Juilliard where he, and his equally talented wife Rosina, built the greatest program for aspiring pianists during the 20th century. To his students and contemporaries he represented the pinnacle of taste, craftsmanship, and technical proficiency.
The performances on this record of Chopin, Schumann, Debussy and Johann Strauss are beautifully rendered with the highest level of musical excellence. Lhevinne has not only the highest regard for the written note but his presentation is set forth with respect, humility and responsibility. You can hear this being conveyed through his ten fingers onto the eighty eight keys. This is a must hear experience. I especially want to call attention to the Debussy which pairs Josef and Rosina in the real definition of marital bliss!
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