This boxed set of 35 CDs focuses on Kempff's later recordings, with earlier recordings used to fill in repertoire gaps.
Interpretation
Alfred Brendel described Kempff's approach, stating that 'cantabile' was 'the essence of music' for him, and that Kempff 'refused to unduly interfere with the music'.
Performer Biography
Kempff's father, also named Wilhelm, was an organist and chorus master, and introduced his son to the organ.
Performer Biography
Kempff was also a successful composer, with Wilhelm Furtwängler conducting the premiere of his Second Symphony.
Performer Biography
Wilhelm Kempff (1895-1991) was the last representative of a great tradition of German pianists that included Artur Schnabel and Wilhelm Backhaus.
Performer Biography
Kempff's pianistic lineage can be traced back to Beethoven himself, through his teacher Karl Heinrich Barth, who was a pupil of Bülow and Tausig, who in turn were taught by Liszt, a pupil of Czerny, who studied with Beethoven.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Kempff's Bach transcriptions, particularly the chorale preludes, are noted for their unpretentious simplicity and his ability to create organ-like registrations on the piano.
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