Artist description This great Russian pianist who, at Prokofieff's request, gave the world premiere of his sixth sonata, was once called by a Swedish critic "a worthy descendant of that line of great Russian-born pianists that began with Ziloti and Rachmaninov". Merzhanov made his concert debut more than half a century ago, and he continues to enchant audiences with his tremendous art and skill. During his career, Merzhanov has given more than 1500 concerts and recitals with such conductors as Sanderling, Kondrashin, Gauk, Rozhdestvensky, Temirkanov, and Svetlanov. He has enjoyed great success in many countries. In Italy he was hailed as "a true magician who astonishes with the inimitable skill of his fingers, as well as the profound wisdom of his interprettion." A Polish paper said that "his music opens the eyes to the heights of harmony, spiritual beauty and noble expressiveness." And, according to an American writer, Merzhanov's playing manifests a "warmth and grace that are unusual for contemporary pianists of any country."

Music Style Classical

Artist History Victor Merzhanov, one of Russia's most distinguished and well known pianists, was born in Tambov, Russia in 1919. From 1936 to 1941 he studied at the Moscow Conservatory with Samuel Feinberg (piano) and Alexander Gegike (organ). He graduated from the Conservatory with distinction, and his name was inscribed on its marble walls along with those of Scriabin and Rachmaninoff. From 1941 to 1945 he served in the Soviet army. After the war, Merzhanov pursued post-graduate studies at the Conservtory, and in 1946 he shared with Sviatoslav Richter the first prize at the All-Union Music Competition in Moscow. In 1949 Merzhanov was a prizewinner at the prestigious International Chopin Competition in Warsaw. Since 1964 he has been a professor at the Moscow Conservatory. From 1973 to 1978 he held the same title at the Warswaw Conservatory. He has also taught in a number of other European countries. Merzhanov founded the Rachmaninoff Society of Russia and the Rachmaninoff International Piano Competition in Moscow.

Albums VISTA VERA RECORDS

Location Moscow - Russia

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