Rudolf Serkin
Rudolf Serkin – Claudio Abbado – music making at its finest

Chicago Symphony – Abbado/Serkin – 1982 – Part 1

Chicago Symphony – Abbado/Serkin – 1982 – Part 2

Another classic concert this week. The Chicago Symphony, led by the late-great Claudio Abbado and featuring the late-great-legendary Rudolf Serkin in an all-Beethoven program this week, recorded 0n February 27 of 1982.

Rudolf Serkin was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963 and in March 1972 celebrated his 100th appearance with the New York Philharmonic by playing Johannes Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1. The orchestra and board of directors also named Serkin an honorary member of the New York Philharmonic-Symphony Society, a distinction also conferred on Aaron Copland, Igor Stravinsky, and Paul Hindemith. In 1986, he celebrated his 50th anniversary as a guest artist with the orchestra. He is regarded as one of the primary interpreters of the music of Beethoven in the 20th century.

Revered as a musician’s musician, a father figure to a legion of younger players who came to the Marlboro School and Festival, and a pianist of enormous musical integrity, he toured all over the world and continued his solo career and recording activities until illness prevented further work in 1989.

No frills, straightforward music making from these two giants with one of the world’s great orchestras.

Here’s what on the two players this week:

Chicago Symphony – Claudio Abbado
Rudolf Serkin, Piano
February 27, 1982

Part 1 (top Player)
Beethoven: The Creatures Of Prometheus Overture
Piano Concerto Number 4 (w/Serkin)

Part 2 (bottom Player)
Beethoven: Symphony Number 7

 

I don’t think there’s really anything else you can do but enjoy this one. I’m working on some requests – hopefully there will be some surprises in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned.

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