(1915 1997) was one of the greatest

interpreters of the 20th century, along

with his compatriots Emil Gilels, David

Oistrakh and Mstislav Rostropovich.

As Richard Osborne says of Richter's

playing in his booklet note, 'Bravura

technique matched to high intelligence

and a richly developed musical

imagination is a rare combination

of qualities in any instrumentalist.'

Richter made his debut in the West in 1960 with

Beethoven's Piano Sonata op.2 no.3 at a recital in

New York. Beethoven's 'Hammerklavier' Sonata was

one of the main features of Richter's programming

in the summer of 1975 in Prague, London and

Aldeburgh, the latter performed one week prior to

London and recorded on BBC Legends.

Richter's live recitals catch him at his very best

compared to the confines of the studio. The 1975

recital in London was considered a landmark, one

of the greatest that Richter gave in this country

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