The Art Of Konstantin Igumnov

Description

The most complete tribute to Konstantin Igumnov; undoubtedly the most beautiful example of his very particular and intimate interpretation style. He seems to converse with each listener. This collection is particularly precious because, throughout his life, he refused the microphones of recording studios, convinced that this process stifled spontaneity and inspiration. Hence the rarity of recordings; we have also included five of the six piano rolls he made for Welte-Mignon. “Igumnov, pianist, is an absolutely exceptional phenomenon…” declared the rector of the Moscow Conservatory in 1933. “His piano sings like that of rare great pianists of today.” Among his students are Jakov Flier, Maria Grinberg, Bella Davidovich, Lev Oborin, and Yakov Milstein, who stated: “Few can compete with Igumnov in terms of sound beauty.” Although he did not achieve the same international fame as some of his contemporaries, his career demonstrates that musical legacy is not measured solely by celebrity or virtuosity, and his influence in Russia is profound.