Description
Book SynopsisThis biography documents the unique artistry and highly unusual life of the internationally acclaimed pianist Shura Cherkassky, who, at the time of his death in 1995, was universally recognized to be among the greatest pianists in music history, and the last link to the romantic piano tradition of Chopin, Liszt and Anton Rubinstein.
Trade ReviewShura Cherkassky's extraordinary career was marked by individuality, tenacity and a lifelong passion for the piano. Elizabeth Carr's close association with the artist, coupled with her first-hand experience in the world of classical piano and her highly developed powers of observation, make her the ideal person to chronicle this unique pianist's fascinating life. -- John Guinn, Music Critic * Detroit Free Press *
Shura Cherkassky was one of the most outrageously gifted pianists of the last century. His personality was as colorfully unique as his touch on the piano. Elizabeth Carr's comprehensive account of the man and his career compels the reader with its deeply affectionate understanding, respect, and brimful detail. -- Piers Lane, Australian Concert Pianist and Professor, Piano, Royal Academy of Music, London
Based on extensive research and interviews, this biography of the Russian pianist Shura Cherkassky (1909-1995) traces his life and career from his training with Josef Hofmann at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and his American debut, to his long recording and performance careers, style, and influence of the Romanticism of Chopin, Liszt, and Rubinstein. Many facsimiles of letters and concert programs are interspersed, and a discography is included. * Reference and Research Book News *
Much has been written about composers and not enough about those artists who bring musical compositions alive with their performance. Elizabeth Carr has made a notable contribution with this carefully researched and engrossing life of Shura Cherkassky, a very great pianist. -- Henry Z. Steinway, Steinway Pianos
Table of ContentsPart 1 Preface Part 2 Acknowledgments Chapter 3 1. Mother Russia Chapter 4 2. Baltimore, 1923 Chapter 5 3. Shura and the Palmist, the 1923-1924 Season Chapter 6 4. Prodigies Compared: Shura and Jozio Chapter 7 5. The Hofmann Years, 1925-1935 Chapter 8 6. Around the World, 1935-1939 Chapter 9 7. Shattered, 1940-1945 Chapter 10 8. Oblivion to Triumph: The Postwar Years Chapter 11 9. Shura and the Gramophone Chapter 12 10. Onstage Chapter 13 11. A Conductor's Nemesis Chapter 14 12. The Last Romantic? Chapter 15 13. The House of Steinway Chapter 16 14. On Tour, USSR, 1987 Chapter 17 15. Understanding Shura Chapter 18 16. Prague, 1995 Chapter 19 17. Final Tributes Part 20 Discography Part 21 Selected Bibliography Part 22 Index Part 23 About the Author
