Description

Whether or not Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli was the 20th century's ultimate obsessively perfectionist pianist, his legendary and enigmatic standing in the international classical music arena continues to make good copy. In many respects, the pianist fuelled the flames of mystery that surrounded him. Even at the start of his career, Michelangeli had mastered the art of making himself scarce. Like Gould, Horowitz, Argerich and Richter, Michelangeli harbored a reclusive streak, did not enjoy the most robust health, and was prone to cancel engagements, or even whole tours, at the last minute. One wonders if Michelangeli cancelled more concerts than he actually played. He proved equally parsimonious in regard to the works he chose to perform in public, and it's safe to say that Michelangeli had the smallest active repertoire of any great pianist. (In private, however, Michelangeli's students and colleagues attested to the enormous amount of music he knew). This CD presents never-before-released interpretations of two memorable performances in splendid sound, approved by his estate.

CD-1147(1) ARTURO BENEDETTI MICHELANGELI. TWO NEWLY DISCOVERED BROADCAST RECORDINGS. Mozart: Piano Concerto in d, K466 Karl Munchinger cond. Stuttgart Phil. Orch., Stuttgart, Liederhalle, (22.11.1967). Beethoven: Sonata No. 3 in C, Op. 2 No. 3 Paris, Salle Pleyel, (11.11.1975). Premiere recordings issued by permission of the Estate of Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli. Total: 58:38 [AAD] UPC # 17685-11472.