Walter Gieseking, renowned for his interpretations of French Impressionists, also had a strong affinity for Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms, which is often overlooked.
Interpretation
Walter Gieseking's Schubert interpretations were praised for their "exquisite colouring and finesse," with one critic noting his "immensely moving" slow tempos.
Recording & Production
The Brahms recordings on this album were made at the Kongresshaus Kammermusiksaal in Zurich, while all other recordings were made at Studio 3, Abbey Road, London.
Performer Biography
Walter Gieseking's younger daughter, Freya, served as his driver and page-turner during his recording sessions, noting that her father played "really better than ever."
Historical Context
Walter Gieseking was considered a "persona non grata" in the USA during the early 1950s due to accusations of collaboration with the Nazi regime, yet his recordings sustained his popularity there.
Performer Biography
Walter Gieseking, the pianist on this album, was known for his extraordinary productivity as a recording artist, often completing a large quantity of recordings in a short period.
Performer Biography
Walter Gieseking died in October 1956 from post-operative complications, just ten days before his sixty-first birthday, during what were to be his final recording sessions.
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