Benno Moiseiwitsch

Benno Moiseiwitsch was one of the early 20th century piano virtuosi who dazzled audiences with his technique and elegant expression. Precociously talented, he studied with the legendary Leschetizky in Vienna before joining his family in England and eventually taking British citizenship. He had a somewhat impersonal stage presence, but his playing was brilliant and effortless, passionate and sophisticated. He excelled in the music of the Romantic era but also performed works by his contemporaries Rachmaninov, Poulenc, and Medtner impressively. His recordings, primarily for His Master's Voice, covered the 78-rpm through early stereo eras. Much of it has been re-issued on labels specializing in historical recordings.