Glazunov, the Conservatory Director, famously described Barere's gifts by proclaiming, "Barere is Franz Liszt in the one hand and Anton Rubinstein in the other."
Recording & Production
The live recordings of Simon Barere's performances were made by his son Boris, "just for the fun of it," using two 78rpm turntables in a small studio above the main stage with no visual contact.
Performer Biography
Alexander Glazunov, the enlightened Director of the St. Petersburg Imperial Conservatory, bypassed regulations to admit Barere, a Jewish student, and ensured he remained at the Conservatory for seven years to avoid army conscription.
Performer Biography
Barere's career was marked by early success followed by periods of hardship, including a ban on touring outside the Soviet Union and playing under an assumed name in vaudeville stages during Hitler's persecution of Jews.
Performer Biography
Simon Barere, the pianist on this album, was born into an impoverished Jewish family in Odessa as the eleventh of thirteen children.
Performer Biography
Simon Barere collapsed at the keyboard and died from a cerebral hemorrhage during his first-ever performance of the Grieg Concerto at Carnegie Hall on April 2, 1951.
Performer Biography
Barere's early musical talent was recognized when he began supporting his family by playing in silent movie cinemas and restaurants after his father's premature death.
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