Merzhanov has been one of my long favoriate pianists. I hope his early recording of Rachmaninoff's 3rd Concerto with "bonus" Paganini etudes of Liszt - ALL tossed off like toys in ease and magnificence - are brought back. merzhanov served in the army before coming back to his concert career and he shared first prize with Richter in all russia competition after the war .that's how good he was/is.
Bela Bartok was not only greatly fascinated and influenced by Grieg's treatment of these pieces but also required his students to study them. They mark what seems to be a new phase in his compositions, but it came when his health had deteriorated to the point where despite much inspiration he rarely had the energy for composing - adding mental frustration to his physical agonies.
Merzhanov has been one of my long favoriate pianists. I hope his early recording of Rachmaninoff's 3rd Concerto with "bonus" Paganini etudes of Liszt - ALL tossed off like toys in ease and magnificence - are brought back. merzhanov served in the army before coming back to his concert career and he shared first prize with Richter in all russia competition after the war .that's how good he was/is.
Bela Bartok was not only greatly fascinated and influenced by Grieg's treatment of these pieces but also required his students to study them. They mark what seems to be a new phase in his compositions, but it came when his health had deteriorated to the point where despite much inspiration he rarely had the energy for composing - adding mental frustration to his physical agonies.
I meant to say "They mark what seems to be a new phase in Grieg's compositions..."
Wonderful