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The Piano Files

@thepianofiles.bsky.social
144 followers 6 following 320 posts

The best piano recordings of the past 100+ years, curated by Mark Ainley. www.thepianofiles.com www.patreon.com/thepianofiles www.facebook.com/ThePianoFilesWithM…

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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
October 6 this year is the 140th anniversary of the birth of Edwin Fischer, most known for his marvellous accounts of Bach. He made the world premiere recording of the Well-Tempered Clavier and recorded a great deal. That cycle and other fantastic recordings linked in the post in the comments.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Celebrating Vladimir Horowitz 123 years after his birth with some stunning performances that showcase his incredible electricity and tonal colour: a 1934 Copenhagen broadcast of Tchaikovsky, a 1942 RCA disc of Saint-Saëns-Liszt-Horowitz, and a 1949 live account of Debussy. Magic! (Link in comments!)
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Born September 18, 1872, Carl Friedberg trained with Clara Schumann & then coached with Brahms on how to play his complete piano music. He lived into the 1950s and recordings of his lessons & recitals (plus just one official disc) offer stunning insights! Check the comment thread for the links.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Dinu Lipatti played his last recital 76 years ago in Besançon, France. The event was recorded (not broadcast live before of his ill health) and eventually released ... most of it - some mysteries remain. Today, my detailed notes about the event, the recording, and more. Link in the comments below.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Dutch pianist-composer Dirk Schäfer is virtually forgotten today, but 100 years ago (in 1924 & 26) he produced a very impressive series of recordings that have rarely been available since. An exploration of his life and art - and the recordings - is linked in the comments thread.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
September 5 this year is Valerie Tryon's 92nd birthday. The British-Canadian pianist continues to perform (and look decades younger than she is - this is a recent photo). Linked today is a tribute that includes several studio & live recordings, and a 90th birthday interview with performances.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
August 29 this year was the 103rd anniversary of Raymond Lewenthal's birth. The American pianist never got the recognition his artistry warranted (he was a hit in the UK but not at home), yet his studio & live recordings reveal truly top-tier pianism. Check the link to explore his life & art!
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
On August 23, 1950 Dinu Lipatti made his final appearance with orchestra at the @lucernefestival.wsocial.eu. The concert was broadcast, as was an interview with the pianist. The recording of an interview excerpt and the concerto (and a transcript & my translation) are linked in the comments.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
August 15 this year marks 75 years since Artur Schnabel died. The Austrian-born pianist made the first complete recording of Beethoven's Sonatas in the 1930s in addition to bringing Schubert's music out of obscurity. Details about both (and the recordings) linked in the comments.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
August 9 was the anniversary of the birth in 1902 of British pianist Solomon, whose career was cut short by a stroke in 1956 - he lived another 32 years. In the linked tribute, I share bio details & offer his superb Chopin discs (sorely overlooked) & other amazing recordings.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
August 5 this year marked 76 years since the tragic death of Rosa Tamarkina at the age of 30. The first wife of Emil Gilels was an extraordinary pianist, a range of solo, chamber, concerto, and filmed performances revealing her glorious pianism. Link to all of these in comments. What an artist!
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Severin Eisenberger studied with two Czerny pupils and made no official discs, attempting to dispose of broadcast recordings that fortunately survived - and what amazing playing they reveal! Details about his career & samples of his remarkable playing linked in the comments.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
July 9 was the 17th anniversary of my Facebook page, the birth of The Piano Files as a hub of great historical piano recordings. I was on my annual offline retreat on that day this year so am celebrating today; the comments has a link to a lecture & a superb forgotten pianist!
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
As I prepare to head into my annual offline retreat, I am sharing two 'new' recordings of the fantastic pianist Marian Filar, shared by a pupil who allowed me to upload them (and many others on my channel). Phenomenal artistry - and a fascinating story. Check the link for more.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
June 23 of this year marked what is cited as the 134th anniversary of Mieczysław Horszowski’s birth in 1892 - though it seems he may have been born even earlier. His 100+ year life was incredibly rich and his pianism is magnificent. A selection of recordings spanning 50 years is linked below.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
How many incredible pianists are still lamentably overlooked? I first heard of Giovanni Dell'Agnola on a handful of discs under five years ago - truly top-tier pianism by a very active performer & teacher (at the Milan Conservatory). Some details & superb recordings linked in the comments below.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Michel Block was one of those pianists whose playing has been revered by his colleagues & pianophiles. Arthur Rubinstein created a special prize to recognize him at the 1960 Chopin Competition when his fellow jurors didn't place him highly. You can hear why: check the link!
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Marcelle Meyer was a marvel, excelling at all she played, from the earliest keyboard music to the latest works by composers she knew (Ravel, Debussy, Satie, Stravinsky, and other legends). Her 1940s-50s discs of Bach, Scarlatti, & Rameau are stupefying - shared here with background; check comments.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Evlyn Howard-Jones has been unjustly forgotten over the decades; APR fortunately released his complete 78s for the first time 5 years ago. Eight Bach Preludes & Fugues set down in 1930 are among the most beautiful I've ever heard. Details & these gorgeous recordings are linked below.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Last month I gave a max-capacity presentation at the Vancouver Public Library, thanks to sponsorship from the Vancouver Recital Society @vanrecital.bsky.social and Muzewest Concerts Society. The presentation is now online & shared in the linked post, along with some backstory to the event.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Franz Josef Hirt was an amazing Swiss pianist who made about 2 hours of 78s in the 20s & 30s but no later official recordings despite living until 1985. He played with legendary conductors & was admired by great composers as well. Quite an artist; check the recordings in the link!
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
Polish pianist-composer Sigismond Stojowski's compositions were once very popular but they are rarely heard today. He made some recordings in 1916 but broadcasts from 1942 & 44 exist, issued once on LP in the 70s. Details about these and a transfer linked in the comments below.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Seymour Bernstein has died at the age of 99. He had retired from performance for 50 years but very active as a teacher, and Ethan Hawke shone a well-deserved light on him with a superb 2015 film. He was a musical & creative genius who will be missed. Tribute & links in comments.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
April 20 this year marked the 40th anniversary of Vladimir Horowitz's legendary return to playing in Moscow, his first appearance there in 61 years. I remember the live broadcast in 1986, well aware of the historical importance of the event. Details & video linked in the comments thread.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
American pianist Ruth Slenczynska has died at age 101. She had an exceptionally long career as a pianist & teacher, studying in her childhood with 5 legendary pianists: Hofmann, Rachmaninoff, Schnabel, Cortot, and Petri. Link with her playing & interviews in comments. RIP Ms. Slenczynska.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
American pianist Ann Schein has died at the age of 86. The 'long life in music' that her beloved mentor Mieczysław Münz predicted came to be: she was a formidable performer & teacher, embodying grace & strength. A tribute with two early LPs linked in the comments. RIP Ms. Schein.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
April 13 marks 31 years since the tragic death of American pianist Joseph Villa at the age of 46. I was fortunate to know him in his last few years - he was always gracious & generous, sending me Christmas cards & cassettes of live performances. Check comments thread for a tribute & recordings.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
April 7 was the anniversary of Victor Schiøler's birth in 1899. A pupil of Schnabel & Friedman, teacher to Victor Borge (who used his 1st name for his own stage name as a hat-tip), he was a truly great artist in so many ways. Biographical details & some recordings in today's post. Link in comments.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Simon Barere died mid-concert at Carnegie Hall 75 years ago on April 2, 1951. The pianist of dazzling dexterity and innate musicality left behind a modest official discography now expanded by hours of live recordings (many from Carnegie Hall) & now some film footage. Link in comments below.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Ferruccio Busoni was born April 1, 1866. Remembered today as a composer & transcriber, he was among the most titanic pianists of his generation. No technology could properly capture the scope of his playing (or anyone's) but his 1922 discs still reveal superb pianism. Link with audio & details below
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
March 28 was World Piano Day, the 88th day of the year celebrating the instrument that (usually) has 88 keys. In recognition of this day and this amazing instrument, 3 filmed conversations in which my hosts & I discuss great pianists, interpretation, and live performances. Link in the comments!
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
March 23 was the 145th anniversary of Egon Petri's birth. The Busoni disciple left us many hours of recordings, and while some studio accounts are a bit detached, the best of them - and his live recordings - feature some truly sky-opening pianism. Check the link in the comments.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
March 17 was the 115th anniversary of Robert Goldsand's birth. A student of Liszt pupil Moriz Rosenthal & other fine musicians, Goldsand became an esteemed teacher and was a superb artist - always better in concert than on disc. Today, rare broadcasts, a 78, and an interview: check link in comments.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
My latest column in International Piano magazine features Robert Lortat, whose Chopin Etudes & Waltz cycles predate Alfred Cortot's (the Waltzes were the world premiere set). Unavailable for over 6 decades, these readings are extraordinarily imaginative. Details & audio linked below.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Harriet Cohen recorded the first part of what was planned to be the first Well-Tempered Clavier on disc starting in 1928 (the project was abandoned partway through), and in 1935 several of her Bach transcriptions, all beautifully played. These and a 1962 interview linked are linked in the comments.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
We are fortunate to have many hours of recordings by Benno Moiseiwitsch spanning over four decades - he is always so satisfying. A number of audio links & features I've written about him today, including an incredible recorded live appearance only issued decades after I got it. Link in the comments.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
February 25 marks the anniversary of Myra Hess in 1890. The beloved pianist was a master well beyond what her official discs reveal. Fortunately we have many hours of live appearances that showcase her more fiery side. I am publishing a 1947 broadcast for the first time today. Link in comments.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Rachmaninoff recorded no complete cycles of his solo works (as he did with his concertos), but he fortunately set down a number of incredible accounts of some of his great piano works. I have uploaded a set of 1940 discs of 11 of his solo pieces. Link & details in the comments.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
I am thrilled to share the only recording of Clara Sansoni, a pupil of Albéniz & Planté who only made a private disc at the age of 78. Even on a regrettably out-of-tune piano we hear miraculous pianism from this forgotten master in works by Albéniz, Chopin, Beethoven. Stunning! Link in the comments.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Constance Keene was born 105 years ago on February 9, 1921. She knew a number of legendary pianists and was highly esteemed by her colleagues (she taught Rubinstein's children). An anthology of various recordings & two superb sets of Rachmaninoff works are linked in the comments!
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
Hungarian pianist & conductor Tamás Vásáry has died at the age of 92. An active recording artist with a significant discography, the respected artist was even more vibrant in live appearances. In tribute, some fantastic filmed performances from 1962 to 2014. RIP Maestro Vásáry!
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
British pianist Irene Scharrer was born 138 years ago on February 2, 1888. A pupil of Tobias Matthay alongside Myra Hess (with whom she often played), she stopped recording in 1933 but performed into the late 1950s. More details - and some bold yet lyrical performances - linked in the comments.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
Australian pianist Bruce Hungerford was killed in a car crash 49 years ago - he was only 54. A pupil of the Clara Schumann & Brahms disciple Carl Friedberg, he made several LPs and toured globally in his time on stage. A tribute from his centenary a few years ago is linked in the comments below.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
100 years ago this month, the now-forgotten Polish pianist Alexander Sienkiewicz made the world-premiere recordings of Scriabin's 9th & 10th Sonatas, commissioned by a Japanese record club (only 400 copies printed). Details about the pianist & these incredible recordings linked in today's feature.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
The legendary Polish pianist Josef Hofmann was born 150 years ago. His is among the most fascinating if challenging discographies, ranging from sanctioned pre-microphone recordings through to later live solo & concerto broadcasts. An overview of his legacy & pianism linked below.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Ruth Slenczynska celebrates her 101st birthday this January 15th. When she was 'only' 98½, I recorded an hour-long discussion with her about her lessons with Hofmann, Cortot, Schnabel, Petri, and Rachmaninoff, with jaw-dropping insights. This & other links shared in the comments thread.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
January 5 was the birthday of Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (ABM), as well as Brendel and Pollini. Belatedly recognizing ABM with some film & live recordings spanning nearly 20 years, from 1949 film footage to 50s & 60s recitals in Europe & the US. Remarkable pianistic mastery. Link in comments.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 26/12/2025
A somewhat Christmas-themed post: four pianists playing the Hess transcription of Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. Myra Hess, Walter Gieseking, Dinu Lipatti, and Bruce Hungerford all bring their unique approach to this gorgeous work. Which do you prefer? Link in the comments.
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
Henri Gil-Marchex was born 133 years ago. Never heard of him? Many haven't. He lived until 1970 but only made discs in 1927 that were never reissued until a decade ago. Ravel admired him & he was the 1st French pianist to tour & give conferences in Japan. Page with incredible recordings linked below
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The Piano Files @thepianofiles.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
Natan Brand died December 10, 1990 at the tragically young age of 46. Posthumous CDs of private recordings saw pianophiles mesmerized by his big-scale & highly personal pianism. A number of incredible recordings today, including unreleased audio & film his widow provided me. Link in comments.
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